I still do not like Marion Barber this weekend.

MBIII was able to do some light practicing yesterday and looks like a game-time decision on Sunday night against the Giants. But after Tashard Choice threw down some serious yardage against the Steelers last week, Barber could be back on the sidelines watching the rookie run.

I said a few weeks ago to avoid Barber in the fantasy playoffs. That call is less legitimate now because I was talking about a healthy Barber, not this hobbled, called-out-by-your-owner version.

Regardless of his health issues, Barber and the Cowboys face the Giants — trying to lock up home field advantage — and the Ravens — trying to catch the Steelers in the NFC North — the next two weekends. Those are terrible matchups for any fantasy player, especially a banged up running back.

I know there is a lot of Barber love out there among the Cowboys Nation and him getting injured undercuts my bold proclamation, but he still needs to be avoided by fantasy owners the next two weekends. But I guess only if you want to win your league.

Start ‘em

Quarterbacks

• Tyler Thigpen v. Chargers: The last few weeks have been down to earth, but I still believe in Thigs. At home against one of the worst pass defenses in the league could remedy Thigpen’s recent fantasy slide.
• Matt Cassel @ Raiders: If he plays. Cassel’s father passed away this week and his status is uncertain for Sunday’s game. Chances are he will be on the field and he would be a safe bet against Oakland’s pass defense, even with the best cornerback in the league.

Runningbacks

• DeAngelo Williams v. Broncos: Duh. Williams is ascending to stud status at a perfect time of year for his owners. Against the poorer run defenses in the NFL he is excelling, along with teammate Jonathan Stewart. Williams is a must-start this weekend for all of his owners.
• Maurice Jones-Drew v. Packers: With Fred Taylor done for the year, the Jags will rely solely on Jones-Drew for support in the running game. Expect this to be a preview of next year’s Jacksonville offense with MJD as the focal point.

Wide receivers

• Antonio Bryant @ Falcons: Bryant broke out in a huge way on Monday Night Football against Carolina. It could be one of two things for the Bucs No. 1 wide receiver: The beginning of a hot stretch or a one-week anomaly. Desperate fantasy owners can take a chance on it being the former.
• Santana Moss @ Bengals: If the Redskins are going to salvage their 2008 season, Jason Campbell needs to help Clinton Portis. To do that, Campbell will have to get Moss involved again in the big-play passing game.

Tight end

• John Carlson @ Rams: Carlson is producing with anyone at quarterback, which is a great sign for his value heading into next season. He is a safe start this weekend at the hapless Rams.

Sit ‘em

Quarterbacks

• Matt Schaub v. Titans: Last week, Schaub played like most fantasy owners expected of him during this, his supposed breakout season. The reality of 2008 has not been as kind to Schaub as the Packers’ secondary, and this weekend should be no different.
• Joe Flacco v. Steelers: The new Steel Curtain can make the NFL’s best quarterbacks look bad, so what do you think they can do to a rookie? Flacco still is an inconsistent fantasy quarterback and should not be used as a QB1 this weekend.

Runningbacks

• Brandon Jacobs @ Cowboys: Jacobs is a dreaded game-time decision. Even worse, his game time is 8 p.m. Sunday night. Fantasy owners should beware of Jacobs this weekend and only consider using him if you also own Derrick Ward.
• Tim Hightower v. Vikings: Hightower has failed to live up to expectations in the high-powered Arizona offense since taking over as the team’s starting running back. With Minnesota’s Williams Wall still intact this weekend, Hightower likely will continue his yardage deficient fantasy output.

Wide receivers

• Brandon Marshall @ Panthers: Not saying that you MUST sit Marshall against the Panthers, because in all likelihood he is your WR1. But what I am saying is not to expect more than 10 fantasy points from him in this game, even though the Broncos should be throwing the ball a ton.
• Andre Johnson v. Titans: Same thing goes for AJ. Not a great matchup on the outside for the Texans’ passing game, but he is a big name that should be started if you have no better options. Like I said about Marshall, though, he may not break 10 fantasy points.

Tight end

• Todd Heap v. Steelers: Heap is becoming more involved in the passing game, but that could change this weekend. Expect the Ravens to max protect their rookie quarterback from all the heat the Steelers will throw at him, meaning lots of Heap helping to block the Pittsburgh pass rush.

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.

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