This time of year is always overbooked.

• You have holiday gatherings for your office and the company at large.
• You attend holiday pageants (that's the "in" word these days) at schools and daycare centers.
• You write cards, wrap presents and give in to your gluttonous instincts.

And you consume, in the same gluttonous fashion, as much sports entertainment as possible. If you are taking the last two weeks of the calendar year off to host relatives, travel to relatives or your office goes into "operation shutdown," you have a fun slate of NFL things to start things off on Sunday (I don't include the Thursday obliteration of the Jaguars or the likely Saturday beatdown of the Buccaneers).

The Jets meet the Eagles. The Ravens travel to San Diego. The 49ers host the Steelers. Tebow plays chess against Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

On Christmas Eve, the NFL will play nearly the entire Week 16 slate. Fantasy owners will celebrate their titles and practice their Tebow-ing pose when Tebow posts a big day against the Bills.

And then, the NBA returns on Christmas Day. It's been a rough, frenzied couple of weeks for The Association and, as always, Los Angeles played a huge role. Of course, it started with the failed trade for Chris Paul, moved to a deal that sent Lamar Odom and "The Kardashians" to Dallas, and ended with CP3 joining "The Blake Show" and the Clippers.

Here in LA, Lakers fans are incensed. The headlines are chock-full of lines about Kobe Bryant's frustration with the front office and more trade rumors (Dwight Howard?). It's going to be a fun season to monitor, and we'll be here every step of the way.

Happy holidays.

It's hard to see many fantasy owners being upset about last night's Jaguars-Falcons game. Maurice Jones-Drew ran well, and most of the key Falcons looked strong. Unless you started Tony Gonzalez or benched Julio Jones, your playoff week should be going well so far. And if you benched Michael Turner, well ... why would you do that?

Here's your weekly reminder about where you can find fantasy advice as kickoff approaches:

• Tweet the FOXSports.com fantasy team. I'm at @jhalpin37, and you can also contact Ryan Fowler (@FOXSportsFowler), Joel Beall (@FOXSportsBeall) and Mike Harmon (@SwollenDome).
• Post a message on the Facebook pages for Harmon, Fowler and me.
• Listen to FOX Fantasy Freaks Harmon, Peter Burns and Nate Lundy, on FOX Sports Radio Sunday from 9 a.m. until noon ET. You can also tweet those guys (@FantasyFreaks).
• Chat with Fowler, Beall and me on FOXSports.com Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m ET. I'll be back in the noon slot this week.

On to the news:

FANTASTIC
Check out the greatest fantasy
performances over the last 10
years.
• Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger hasn't practiced this week due to his sprained left ankle, and it sounds like his status is tracking toward a gametime decision. Folks, forget about the legend of Roethlisberger playing with 11 broken ribs, or his limbs chopped off like the Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. He has a Monday game, and if we're not sure about his status by early Sunday afternoon, you'll have to bench him. Risking a goose egg isn't worth it. I'd still start Steelers WRs Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, but knock 'em down a bit in the rankings.
• Vikings RB Adrian Peterson appears to be on track to return after missing three games with a sprained ankle, and he says he wants to play to help his fantasy owners. God bless Purple Jesus! If Peterson practices today without any setbacks, you should pencil him into your lineup.
• It sounds like the Eagles will have both QB Michael Vick (ribs) and WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) on the field against the Jets. I don't care if Vick had a bad game in Week 14 and has been limited in practice. He's still a QB1, and I'd start him in most cases if I owned him. However, I don't own Vick in any leagues, because I was pretty sure he was going to get hurt at some point. Why did you pick him in the first round, anyway?
• Though the headline in this story doesn't match its content, you should expect to be without Texans WR Andre Johnson again this week. Remember that TE Owen Daniels caught seven passes for 100 yards from rookie QB T.J. Yates last week. Someone has to be Yates' primary receiver, right?
• Remember that we have a Saturday night kickoff: Cowboys at Bucs. Set your lineups accordingly.
• With James Starks (ankle) and Brandon Saine (concussion) still not practicing, Ryan Grant looks to be the leading man again in the Packers' backfield. Grant put up some good numbers last week, and even though he carried only 10 times, you should still find a way to get him in the lineup.
• Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) was back at practice on Thursday, but his status for Sunday is still TBD. The Lions' late game makes a Smith decision more complicated, but if he's active, feel free to start him. They probably won't activate Smith if they don't think he can make it through the whole game.
• Dolphins QB Matt Moore (concussion) was back at practice Thursday and should play Sunday. Since he's playing against the Bills, he's not a terrible option.
• QB Kevin Kolb (concussion) is questionable for the Cardinals, so John Skelton might get another start. You'll want to avoid either guy against the Browns' second-ranked pass defense. I'd still start Larry Fitzgerald, though.
• Browns QB Colt McCoy still hasn't practiced as a result of the concussion he wasn't examined for last Thursday, so Seneca Wallace is expected to start. I really hope my market gets the Wallace-Skelton matchup over Brady-Tebow late Sunday afternoon.
• The Titans seem to think that QB Matt Hasselbeck (calf) will be able to start against the Colts on Sunday, and even though that's not a certainty, you might want to temper your expectations for Jake Locker's rushing yards. I've heard from a few people who seem to be drooling about the possibility of starting Locker.
• Looking to pick up a defense? The Bengals might get to face Kellen Clemens instead of Sam Bradford (ankle) on Sunday.
• 49ers RB Frank Gore went through a full practice on Thursday, just a few days after his head coach said he's been limited due to some injuries. Gore is still a solid fantasy start, so don't shy away from him unless your other options are terrific.
• Raiders WR Denarius Moore is on track to return this week after missing three games with a foot injury. If you're looking for a high-upside free agent, Moore is owned in just 33.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
• It sounds like Saints RB Mark Ingram (turf toe) will miss another game on Sunday. Chris Ivory's fantasy value lives on.
• I hate reading the Patriots' injury report. They just throw half the team on there to confuse us.
• Kyle Orton is tentatively scheduled to start at quarterback for the Chiefs. Woo!
• Here's an update on the respective statuses of Bears QB Jay Cutler and RB Matt Forte. Lovie Smith said this week that Forte has a chance to play against the Seahawks, but consider that a longshot.

See you back here Tuesday morning. Good luck this weekend!

Something crossed my mind while watching as little as possible of last night's Rams-Seahawks snoozefest: Remember four months ago, when so many people thought Sam Bradford would have a breakout season? Yeesh.

On to the news:

FANTASTIC
Check out the greatest fantasy
performances over the last 10
years.
• The official word on Packers WR Greg Jennings is that he'll miss two to three weeks with his partially torn knee ligament. The problem is that even if Jennings is ready after two weeks, the Pack will almost certainly have clinched the top seed in the NFC, so there won't be any reason to play him in Week 17. Feel free to waive Jennings if you're picking up a free agent this week, because he's not going to help you.
• This Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article suggests that while any of the remaining Packer receivers could benefit statistically from Jennings' absence, the one it may help the most is Randall Cobb, who could take over Jennings's snaps in the slot position. If you're looking to catch some green and gold lightning in a bottle, who is owned in just 2.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
• The same article notes that Packers rookie RB Brandon Saine, who suffered a concussion against the Raiders, will probably play this week.
• 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh suggested Monday that RB Frank Gore's workload may have been limited Sunday due to injury issues. If you're wondering why Gore had only 10 carries, there's your answer. This news doesn't mean you should bench Gore, but it probably knocks him down the fantasy totem pole a bit, as he hasn't broken the 100-yard barrier since Week 9.
• It's too early to tell if Ben Roethlisberger's sprained left ankle will keep him out of this week's game against the 49ers. For now, Big Ben is wearing a walking boot, and didn't talk to the media yesterday. We could be going down to the wire with this situation, and because the Steelers-Niners matchup is Monday night, you could be forced into a decision before you know his final status. If Roethlisberger is tracking toward a gametime decision and you want to keep your options open, you could pick up Alex Smith, who is owned in 44.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
• With DeMarco Murray done for the season due to a fractured right ankle, Felix Jones is now the starting tailback for the Cowboys, and he's got a matchup coming against the soft Buccaneers' run defense. Grab Jones if you can.
• This week's early games are Jaguars-Falcons on Thursday, and Cowboys-Bucs on Saturday. Set your lineups accordingly.
• Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said Monday that he expects RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) to return this week against the Saints.
• In other Vikings' news, Frazier said that Christian Ponder is still his starting quarterback despite getting benched on Sunday. That doesn't mean it's impossible to imagine Ponder's nagging hip injury keeping him out Sunday, but if he's healthy, he'll play. I hope you weren't planning on riding Joe Webb to a fantasy title.
• The Texans don't sound optimistic about WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) being able to return against the Panthers.
• Raiders head coach Hue Jackson said Monday that RB Darren McFadden doesn't need surgery on his injured right foot. He didn't, however, say when McFadden will be back on the field. Don't hold your breath, folks.
• Curious about Lions RB Kevin Smith's status for Sunday? Me, too. Stay tuned.
• The Cardinals will need to wait and see on the status of QB Kevin Kolb (concussion). If you're tempted to grab backup John Skelton after his big day against the 49ers, remember that the Cards will face the Browns' second-ranked pass defense on Sunday.
• The Cardinals-Browns matchup could feature two backup QBs, as Seneca Wallace might play if Colt McCoy's concussion symptoms linger.
• Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck might not be ready to go Sunday because of his calf injury, but if he's healthy, he'll start over rookie backup Jake Locker.
• Hunting for a fantasy playoff defense? The Titans are owned in 18.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. They visit the Colts this week, and host the Jaguars in Week 16. The Falcons (32.9 percent owned) host the Jags this week.
• Joel Beall will be in the FOXSports.com fantasy chat room today at 3 p.m. ET, and I'll make my regular appearance Thursday at the same time. Make sure to send questions, OK?

See you back here Friday morning.

Here are the NFL injuries with fantasy impact we are monitoring leading up to kickoff:

QB

Sam Bradford - questionable
A.J. Feeley - doubtful
Mike Vick - active
Kyle Orton - OUT
Josh Freeman - active
Christian Ponder - active
Jay Cutler - OUT

RB

Adrian Peterson - out
Kevin Smith - out
Michael Turner - active
Willis McGahee - active
James Starks - OUT
Darren McFadden - OUT
Mark Ingram - OUT
Mark Forte - OUT

WR

Miles Austin - active
Andre Johnson - OUT
Laurent Robinson - active
Jeremy Maclin - active
Mario Manningham - active
Denarius Moore - OUT
Jacoby Ford - OUT
Julio Jones - active
Nate Washington - active

TE

Fred Davis - OUT
Scott Chandler - OUT

Playing the second half on one leg, eh, Ben Roethlisberger? Not bad.

Here's your regular reminder about where you can find fantasy advice as kickoff approaches this weekend:

• Tweet the FOXSports.com fantasy team. I'm at @jhalpin37, and you can also contact Ryan Fowler (@FOXSportsFowler), Joel Beall (@FOXSportsBeall) and Mike Harmon (@SwollenDome).
• Post a message on the Facebook pages for Harmon, Fowler and me.
• Listen to FOX Fantasy Freaks Harmon, Peter Burns and Nate Lundy, on FOX Sports Radio Sunday from 9 a.m. until noon ET. You can also tweet those guys (@FantasyFreaks).
• Chat with Fowler, Beall and me on FOXSports.com Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. I'll be in the 10 a.m. slot this week.

On to the news:

FANTASTIC
Check out the greatest fantasy
performances over the last 10
years.
• Vikings RB Adrian Peterson was back at practice on Thursday, and while his status for Sunday is still unclear, he's headed in the right direction. QB Christian Ponder (hip) seems less likely to play, and we should know more about his status after today's practice. Joe Webb will start at QB if Ponder can't.
• WR Percy Harvin suffered a minor tear of a ligament in one of his fingers this week, but should be OK to play, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. In Webb's three starts at the end of last season, Harvin caught 20 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown.
• Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin) missed Wednesday's practice, but was back in a limited fashion on Thursday and is expected to play against the Panthers. The same goes for WR Julio Jones (hamstring).
• Reminder: Eagles QB Michael Vick and WR Jeremy Maclin are expected to return to action Sunday after three-game absences.
• The Texans don't sound optimistic about the chances for WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) to play Sunday, and we should know more after today's practice. The Texans might run as many times as the Broncos this week.
• Patriots WR Wes Welker was limited in Thursday's practice due to a knee injury, and was "photographed at a charity event Tuesday night with a wrap on his right wrist," according to the Boston Globe. Fortunately, the Pats are very forthcoming about player injuries ... or not. Seriously, don't panic if you own Welker, but keep an eye on his status as kickoff approaches.
• Cowboys WR Laurent Robinson (shoulder) says he'll play Sunday night, but he hasn't practiced yet this week. If Robinson does play, he'll have to share looks with the returning Miles Austin, along with usual suspects Jason Witten and Dez Bryant. A lot of people asked me about Robinson in yesterday's chat, and the stars don't seem to be aligned for him to have a good week.
• Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) will try to practice today, but it doesn't sound like he'll be ready to face the Vikings on Sunday. Go get Maurice Morris if you need a running back.
• Saints RB Mark Ingram hasn't practiced this week due to turf toe. If Ingram can't play against the Titans, Chris Ivory will be active, but Pierre Thomas would be the better fantasy play.
• This notebook has the latest on the gimpy Raiders, who don't expect to have the injured foot trio of RB Darren McFadden, WR Denarius Moore and WR Jacoby Ford against the Packers. Are you expecting a lot of garbage time passing for the Raiders, like I am? If so, and you need a wide receiver this week, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Chaz Schilens are interesting options.
• Packers RB James Starks (ankle) probably won't play Sunday, making Ryan Grant a nice play against the Raiders' 28th-ranked run defense. Rookie Brandon Saine is an intriguing option and probably has more upside, but Grant is the safer bet for more carries.
• The Bucs are optimistic about getting QB Josh Freeman (shoulder) back this week. Freeman practiced Thursday, and was just about a full participant, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
• Titans WR Nate Washington hasn't practiced this week due to an ankle injury, but it sounds like he'll play Sunday. Make sure Washington is active before starting him.
• It's possible, but unlikely, that Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) will play Monday. Third stringer Tom Brandstater is the probable starter, and because of that, you should check your league's free-agent wire to see if the Seahawks' DST is available. They're owned in less than 25 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
• Giants WR Mario Manningham (knee) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, but his status for Sunday is still unclear. RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) didn't practice Thursday, and you'll need to keep an eye on his status if you own him.
• This week's visitor to Revis Island is Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe. Enjoy your stay, Dwayne!
• Broncos RB Willis McGahee (knee) hasn't practiced yet this week, but is expected to play against the Bears. Watch his status closely.
• Bengals RB Cedric Benson (foot) missed Thursday's practice, but the issue doesn't sound serious.
• Bears head coach Lovie Smith said Thursday that Marion Barber will start at running back, but Kahlil Bell - the superior receiver of the two - will play. Don't put all your eggs in Barber's basket, OK? I bet Bell gets a dozen touches.
• Bills TE Scott Chandler (ankle) isn't expected to return this week.
• Ravens PK Billy Cundiff missed Thursday's practice due to a calf injury, and the details are unclear. Stay tuned.
• Good news for the Colts? Really? TE Dallas Clark (leg) is practicing, and appears likely to return after missing three games. I wouldn't start him, though.

See you back here Tuesday morning. Good luck this weekend!

Now THAT's the Chargers' offense we've been waiting for. Nice of you guys to show up for the 2011 fantasy football season.

On to the news:

FANTASTIC
Check out the greatest fantasy
performances over the last 10
years.
• Eagles QB Michael Vick practiced Monday, and says he'll be ready to play against the Dolphins. If Vick plays as planned, he's a top-10 fantasy quarterback, and you should plan to start him if you have him.
• Vick is expected to get some help from one of his best weapons, as WR Jeremy Maclin appears on track to return after missing three games with shoulder and hamstring injuries.
• Cowboys WR Miles Austin is expected to return this week after missing four games with a hamstring injury. Teammate Laurent Robinson injured his shoulder on Sunday, and while it doesn't sound serious, let's see if he practices tomorrow.
• After a Monday MRI, the prognosis on Bears RB Matt Forte (knee) is still an absence of two to four weeks, which would get him back no earlier than Week 16. Try to stash Forte on your bench, but if you need his roster spot to be productive for your fantasy playoffs, cutting him is something to consider. He might not be back in time to help you.
• The Raiders still aren't sure when RB Darren McFadden (foot) will return, and because of the uncertainty, this week seems like a longshot. That's good news if you're a Michael Bush owner.
• Texans WR Andre Johnson is "day-to-day" with a strained hamstring. Keep an eye on this situation if you own him.
• This week's Thursday night game is Browns-Steelers, so set your lineups accordingly. The Browns have injury issues, with QB Colt McCoy (knee) and RB Peyton Hillis (hip) both TBD for the game. Despite the matchup, you might want to grab Montario Hardesty if you need a running back for Week 14, as Hillis sounds very iffy.
• Vikings QB Christian Ponder will be limited in practice this week due to a hip pointer, and his status for Sunday's game against the Lions is TBD. The very mobile Joe Webb, who ran 18 times for 104 yards and two touchdowns in three starts last season, will start if Ponder can't play. We should know more about the status of RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) by Wednesday.
• Redskins TE Fred Davis and LT Trent Williams will reportedly serve four-game suspensions after testing positive for marijuana. Too bad - Davis has been a solid fantasy tight end.
• Bills TE Scott Chandler probably won't play this week after suffering a sprained ankle against the Titans.
• Chiefs QB Kyle Orton injured his right index finger against the Bears on Sunday, and though it's not that serious, it doesn't sound like he'll take the reins against the Jets this week. The Tyler Palko Era continues.
• The status of Lions RB Kevin Smith is TBD after he re-aggravated his sprained ankle Sunday night. You'll want to start Smith against the Vikings if he plays.
• One Bay Area columnist thinks the 49ers should start throwing more now that they've clinched the NFC West. Hmm ...
• Looking for a defense to grab this week? The Rams might need to start third-stringer Tom Brandstater at quarterback because of injuries to Sam Bradford (ankle) and A.J. Feeley (thumb). I'd like to set the over-under on Rams' points at 1.5.
• Packers RB James Starks had his ankle act up again on Sunday, and his status for Sunday's game against the Raiders is in doubt. Rookie Brandon Saine, who carried six times for 16 yards against the Giants, could be in line for a flex-worthy workload if you're desperate.
• Titans WR Nate Washington (ankle) will probably be listed as questionable this week, but he's expected to play against the Saints.
• Can't get enough of Tim Tebow? FOXSports.com's Jason Whitlock has an interesting take on the Broncos' quarterback.
• Joel Beall will be in the FOXSports.com fantasy chat room today at 3 p.m. ET, and I'll make my weekly appearance on Thursday at the same time. Make sure to send your questions.

See you back here Friday morning.

Here are the Week 13 NFL injuries with fantasy impact we are monitoring:

Note: Ndamukong Suh (vs NO) suspended for Week 13

QB

Matt Schaub - out
Matt Leinart - out
Sam Bradford - ankle - inactive
Curtis Painter - benched - out
Kevin Kolb - toe - active - start vs DAL
Josh Freeman - shoulder - out
Tyler Palko - starting over Orton (KC website)

RB

Adrian Peterson - out - ankle
Joseph Addai - hamstring - active
Ahmad Bradshaw - foot - active
Darren McFadden - foot - out
Michael Turner - groin - active
Kevin Smith - ankle - active
Cedric Benson - foot - active
Montario Hardesty - calf - active
LaDanian Tomlinson - knee - active

WR

Mario Manningham - knee - out
Julio Jones - hamstring - active
Malcom Floyd - hip - questionable
Miles Austin - hamstring - out
Denarius Moore - ankle - out
Jacoby Ford - foot - out
Percy Harvin - illness - active

DEF

Von Miller - out
Ray Lewis - out

The final week of the long, arduous journey to the fantasy playoffs is at hand.

It started with another crushing blow to the Philadelphia Eagles. This time, the Eagles traveled to Seattle for a Thursday night affair. Marshawn Lynch remained in "Beast Mode" and Vince Young failed miserably against the Seattle defense.

Golden Tate emerged as a threat in Sidney Rice's absence (four receptions for 47 yards with a touchdown). Hang a star on him - maybe pick him up in deeper league, though I know trusting Tarvaris Jackson is a difficult proposition for you.

* Seattle tackle Russell Okung will miss the final four games of the season after tearing his right pectoral muscle agianst the Eagles.

---------------------------

Now, let's get down to the business at hand for this weekend.

1. Donovan McNabb cleared waivers. That comes as no surprise. The Bears can still negotiate a deal with him if something occurs with Caleb Hanie this weekend or he pieces together another first half that resembles his effort against the Raiders. The Texans will use Jake Delhomme in the No. 2 spot behind T.J. Yates.

2. The Dolphins parted ways with Sage Rosenfels, thereby allowing the Vikings to bring him back into the fold. It doesn't move the needle, but there was a period where it appeared that perhaps the Texans would have had interest in him.

3. The Jaguars lost another member of the secondary when Will Middleton was placed on injured reserve. Jacksonville has gutted through the first injuries (aided by the schedule and replacement QBs), but face a stiff test Monday night against the Chargers. Can Philip Rivers snap out of his funk? Can this offense finally avoid the turnovers and take advantage of the injury-depleted secondary?

4. The Buccaneers promoted Rudy Carpenter from the practice squad as insurance for Josh Freeman. The third-year quarterback from Arizona State has yet to attempt a pass. Raheem Morris called Josh Johnson's practice week "spectacular" (per NFL.com), so I would expect to see Freeman (shoulder, much talked about thumb) sit.

5. Adrian Peterson has already been ruled "OUT" for Sunday's home game against the Broncos. Toby Gerhart tries to navigate the much-improved Denver defense that will play with Von Miller (he was back at practice after thumb surgery).

6. Malcom Floyd was back at practice for the Chargers. He finally gets back into the mix after missing four games.

7. Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford will both sit out the Raiders' trip to Miami, and Darren McFadden remains on the shelf.

8. We're keeping an eye on Ahmad Bradshaw, Kevin Smith, Michael Turner and Julio Jones heading into Sunday morning. Bradshaw isn't likely to go. The others will be game-time decisions.

Lock and load with the Fantasy Freaks on FOX Sports Radio Sunday morning for 9a-12p ET/6-9a PT. Jump aboard the Twitter ship @swollendome.

Halpin, Fowler and Beall have you locked and loaded in the chat room for a three-hour marathon.

Finish strong.

Greetings to the happy LeSean McCoy and Marshawn Lynch owners visiting the blog this morning! Not a bad start to your week, huh?

Here's your usual reminder about where you can find fantasy advice as kickoff approaches this weekend:

• Tweet the FOXSports.com fantasy team. I'm at @jhalpin37, and you can also contact Ryan Fowler (@FOXSportsFowler), Joel Beall (@FOXSportsBeall) and Mike Harmon (@SwollenDome).
• Post a message on the Facebook pages for Harmon, Fowler and me.
• Listen to FOX Fantasy Freaks Harmon, Peter Burns and Nate Lundy, on FOX Sports Radio Sunday from 9 a.m. until noon ET. You can also tweet those guys (@FantasyFreaks).
• Chat with Fowler, Beall and me on FOXSports.com Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. I'll be in the noon-1 p.m. slot.

On to the news:

FANTASTIC
Check out the greatest fantasy
performances over the last 10
years.
• Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) says he's willing to play hurt, but his status for Sunday's game against the Broncos will be a gametime decision. My hunch is that Peterson will play, but since I'm no doctor, I'll be watching the Sunday morning inactive lists with everyone else.
• Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin) and WR Julio Jones (hamstring) haven't practiced yet this week. Jones is expected back at practice today, and I haven't seen any news suggesting that Turner is in danger of missing Sunday's game. However, if Turner doesn't practice today, his owners might have a problem. Stay tuned.
• Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) returned to practice in a limited fashion on Thursday, but his status for Sunday is still TBD. If Smith is active, you'll want to play him.
• How many points will my Giants lose by this time? RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) and WR Mario Manningham (knee) look like they'll be out again. On the bright side, WR Hakeem Nicks, who hasn't practiced this week, says he'll be back at practice today, according to the New York Daily News.
• Buried in this highly entertaining story about Rolando McClain's arrest is a note warning us that Raiders WR Denarius Moore (ankle) isn't likely to play on Sunday. RB Darren McFadden (foot) and WR Jacoby Ford (foot) sound like they'll be out again, too.
• The Bucs say that the status of QB Josh Freeman (shoulder) might be a gametime decision, but they're preparing to start backup Josh Johnson against the Panthers, according to the St. Petersburg Times. If Johnson plays, the Bucs will be likely to run the ball more often than usual against the horrible Panthers' defense. What odds can I get on LeGarrette Blount breaking the NFL's single-game rushing record?
• Bengals RB Cedric Benson hasn't practiced this week due to a foot injury, but he's expected to play. I'd keep an eye on this situation, though.
• Sam Bradford's ankle might keep him out this week; it's the same injury that kept him out in Weeks 7 and 8. Where will I find another fantasy QB to throw for 155 yards and a touchdown?
• Browns RB Montario Hardesty (calf) hopes to return Sunday after a four-week absence. I wonder how Hardesty and Peyton Hillis will share the workload. Against the Ravens, will it matter? LB Ray Lewis (toe) might miss another game, but he didn't play last week, and the Ravens still shut down Frank Gore.
• I know the Texans will try to keep their game plan conservative for third-string rookie QB T.J. Yates, but I'd still grab the Falcons' defense to play against him.
• Redskins WR Jabar Gaffney (foot) was limited in Thursday's practice, but is expected to play against the J-E-T-S.
• One more note from last night's game: My colleague Mr. Fowler was right about Seahawks WR Golden Tate, who caught four passes for 47 yards and a TD. With Sidney Rice out for the season, maybe Tate is finally getting his chance. Head coach Pete Carroll says Tate is going to keep getting the ball.
• 49ers WR Braylon Edwards (knee, shoulder) is unlikely to play Sunday. Teammate Frank Gore (ankle) was limited in Thursday's practice, but he's expected to play.
• Chargers WR Malcom Floyd is practicing this week, and appears on track to return after missing four games with a hip injury. Floyd's presence would have implications for owners of Vincent Brown, who was targeted 10 times last week by Philip Rivers.
• According to this column, the Eagles can make DeSean Jackson play better by paying him a lot of money. Please read it, and let me know if you hated it as much as I did.
• RB LaDainian Tomlinson returns for the Jets this week, but I don't think he'll get the workload he wants.
• Patriots' backup RBs Danny Woodhead (abdomen) and Shane Vereen (hamstring) were both limited in Thursday's practice. I hope these guys don't miss the chance for some garbage-time work against the Colts. Vereen has carried 15 times in the last two games, you know. To use the parlance of my friends the Fantasy Freaks, Vereen is one of my "fantasy ninjas" this week.
• Dan Orlovsky finally gets a start at quarterback for the Colts. If you're in a two-QB league, I can see starting Orlovsky. The Colts are very likely to be trailing the Patriots by a lot of points in the second half, so they'll throw quite a bit. That strategy didn't do much for Curtis Painter, but Orlovsky can't be as bad as Painter. At least I don't think he can.
• Tyler Palko gets another start under center for the Chiefs on Sunday, but Kyle Orton could enter the game in relief. Wooo!
• If you're looking to start the improving Broncos' defense against the Vikings, know that rookie LB Von Miller might not play after having thumb surgery earlier in the week.
• Attention, Miles Austin owners: Your guy still isn't practicing. He's probably not playing this week. Stop asking if you should start him.

See you back here Tuesday morning. Good luck this week!

As we head down the stretch, the fantasy infirmary faces an overcrowding situation. The losses sustained at quarterback have been well-documented, particularly for those playoff-bound squads. The wide receiver position has been hit hard as well.

In fact, the fantasy world welcomed back four receivers of significance in Week 12. Only one of them produced starter results. That one contributor was A.J. Green, who generated 110 receiving yards against the Browns. Andre Johnson, Julio Jones and Santana Moss combined for six receptions.

This is the final week of the regular season in most fantasy leagues. Jeremy Maclin will likely miss another game (Thursday in Seattle), and Miles Austin and Mario Manningham are huge question marks as well.

A number of potential Week 13 plug-in options piled up targets in Week 12.An extended list appears below.