The last weekend of bye weeks is upon fantasy owners and the fantasy playoffs are in sight. Unfortunately, injuries continue to decimate rosters indiscriminately, affecting both contenders, pretenders and has-beens.

So how is your team looking for the playoff push?

That push starts next week with all of the byes behind fantasy owners. The fantasy playoffs are oh-so-close, just a short four weeks away.

Luckily, there is some relief on the horizon for some owners. Tony Romo should return to the starting lineup for the Cowboys next week, which should breathe life into the Dallas offense once again. Owners of Terrell Owens, Jason Witten and even Marion Barber should rejoice.

Reggie Bush is close to returning to the field. There have been some rumblings that he could make an appearance against division rival Atlanta this weekend, but more than likely he might return next weekend against Kansas City.

Now, back to this weekend.

Start ‘em

Quarterbacks

• David Garrard @ Lions: If the Jaguars want to avenge an embarassing loss, they will do so by not getting beat by another team without victory yet this season again. Jacksonville is in panic mode, so expect Garrard to shoulder a lot of the load in this one.
• Tyler Thigpen @ Chargers: Did the Chargers fix their problems against the passing game during the bye week? Fantasy owners will find out this weekend. And if you need a bye week starter for the last time this season, Thigpen has been pretty hot.

Runningbacks

• DeAngelo Williams @ Raiders: It looks like rookie Jonathan Stewart might be limited or out this Sunday, which equates to more work for Williams. He has been fighting off the rookie lately and playing well in doing so. It could be another good week for Williams.
• Tim Hightower v. 49ers: Chances are you have a couple of good backs ahead of Hightower. But he deserves RB2 status from here on out if he is going to shoulder the load the rest of the way. His remaining schedule is pretty, including this weekend’s bout with San Fran.

Wide receivers

• Marques Colston @ Falcons: Yet to regain his form following the early-season hand injury, expect Colston to break out this week. Just in time for your playoff push, too.
• Jerricho Cotchery v. Rams: The Cardinals picked on the Rams last weekend on the ground and through the air. The Jets tend to lean on the passing game more often than the running game, so expect lots of Brett Favre-to-Jerricho Cotchery.

Tight end

• Tony Gonzalez @ Chargers: Just wanted to give a shout out to the old man. He is still an elite fantasy tight end after all these years and even now with a suspect supporting cast. Luckily, quarterback Tyler Thigpen seems to rely on Gonzo heavily in the passing game. That is good news against a defense that is bad against the pass.

Sit ‘em

Quarterbacks

• Daunte Culpepper v. Jaguars: Seriously, do not be that guy. Certainly your team is not that desperate. But if it is, consider Thigpen not Culpepper.
• Byron Leftwich v. Colts: It looks like Big Ben will be shelved this weekend. If that is the case, Leftwich will get the start for the Steelers but should not for fantasy teams. The Colts have been good against the pass this year.

Runningbacks

• Joseph Addai @ Steelers: Addai did not look like his old self last weekend and I doubt he is going to regain his form in Pittsburgh. The Steelers did a great job of containing the best fantasy back through eight weeks, Clinton Portis, last weekend. Fantasy owners should expect even less from Addai.
• Willis McGahee @ Texans: It is not just that I am angry with Willis. He is falling out of favor in Baltimore, which makes him a risky start for the rest of the season. It is not a bad matchup for runningbacks, but McGahee has to battle Le’Ron McClain and Ray Rice for playing time. That is not a winning equation.

Wide receivers

• Donnie Avery @ Jets: It is back to the fantasy bench for the rookie after a lackluster performance by the entire Rams’ offense last weekend. Without Steven Jackson to keep defenses honest, St. Louis’ passing game will continue to falter. Wait for SJax to come back before plugging Avery in the starting lineup.
• Rashied Davis v. Titans: The Titans D shut down Reggie Wayne and will do the same to Chicago’s top wideout. Couple that with the fact that Rex Grossman could start this weekend and it gets even uglier for the Bears’ passing game.

Tight end

• Kevin Boss @ Eagles: Think the Eagles are going to forget about this guy? Think again. Yes, he has put together a pair of solid weeks but the roller coaster comes back down this weekend.

For more great fantasy roster advice this week, including a plethora of Start & Sit links and consensus rankings, head over to the Fantasy Football Librarian. Don’t forget to grab your library card.