Gonzo's return is up in the air.

Indianapolis Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Thursday, and appears unlikely to return to the field anytime soon.

The surgery was conducted to clean up the inside of his knee, and to remove loose particles.

Indianapolis has been quiet about the exact details of Gonzalez’s injury, never officially releasing whether or not the receiver’s ligaments were torn or sprained, nor whether or not he ever had surgery following the injury.

Gonzalez was originally hoping for a return around Week Seven, but two weeks have come and gone, and Gonzalez still hasn’t even hit the practice field.

This latest “clean-up” is a major setback, and there is no timetables for his return.

Fantasy Perspective: Gonzalez and the Colts have been dragging us around all season with false hope. Even if he does return, mini-Gonzo isn’t guaranteed big numbers in an offense with so many weapons, so there isn’t much use for holding onto him an longer.

He’s likely at least another two to three weeks away from returning, that is, if the Colts aren’t already preparing to put him on IR.

He got his deal. He’s learning the offense. And now it’s time for him to shine.

Well, that’s the general idea, anyways.

With his excellent hands and play-making ability, the main obstacle keeping Michael Crabtree grounded in the fantasy (and real) realm was learning the offense. Next was his previously undefined role with the San Francisco 49ers.

What head coach Mike Singletary would only speculate, now former starter Josh Morgan openly voiced.

“They gave him my spot,” the dejected receiver said.

While Morgan was the one who everyone was “sleeping” on before the season started, it is now the Texas Tech product, Crabtree, who will be the 49ers’ No. 1 receiver, and possibly as early as this coming week.

That means the San Francisco passing game has life, that Crabtree is relevant, and that you’re not a complete fool for holding onto him for all this time.

In the name of Anthony Gonzalez, your efforts have been awarded fair friends, for holding onto Crabtree for about as long as he held out, himself.

Still, with just a mediocre Shaun Hill tossing him passes, Crabtree’s value can only be looked at as a weak flex play, and possibly a fourth wide receiver.

He definitely has the tools and ability to see his value rise to third wide receiver status by the end of Sunday’s game, but we need more certainty from several different angles before we add him to the roster and give him a cemented slot in our line-up.

Mike Singletary’s thoughts, exactly.

Crabtree is more than worthy of being on your roster now, but his status for Week Seven remains up in the air. While reports do suggest that he will be starting, it is recommended that you hold tight and find a different option for your third wide receiver spot until we know what to expect.

This move severely drops Moran’s value, while keeping Isaac Bruce’s at mediocre fourth wide receiver status. Bruce will stay at the No. 2 spot, while Crabtree begins his career as the top receiver in ‘Frisco.

Hey, Terrell Owens, read about Karma, much?

All of the Buffalo Bills offensive (and defensive) problems can’t lead back to the signing of Terrell Owens. However, a smart person, both with an NFL mind and a fantasy conscience, had to see this coming.

I know there was still that old T.O. upside: “Get yo popcorn ready”, and all that jazz.

But this was written in stone, wasn’t it?

Trent Edwards didn’t show us anything to really lean on last year, and after a very unproductive and under-whelming pre-season, we should have known better.

But you drafted him, anyways. You ever used a high pick on him. Top three rounds. “He’s friggin’ T.O., you said. He’s not done yet.”

Well, I hate to break it to you, Owens, Buffalo, and the rest of the NFL world, but it’s looking like he is.

Edwards is concussed. The defense stinks. Dick Jauron is on his way out. And the offensive coordinator has little-to-no idea what the hell he’s doing.

That’s what the Bills get for giving Mr. 7-9 Jauron another shot at showing he can do better than mediority (he can’t). That’s what they get for firing their offensive coordinator just before the season began.

And quite frankly, that’s what they get for bringing in Terrell Owens.

The man who ruined San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Dallas; he was to be their savior?

From the real-life aspect, this is nothing short of a disaster. The Bills may or may not have attempted to move Owens before the October 20th trade deadline, but even if they did, it’s a safe guess that they couldn’t find any takers.

And, while most of the time an NFL team’s lack of success on the field doesn’t always translate to fantasy numbers, Owens has been delivering a big goose egg there, too.

He hasn’t topped 65 yards all season, and only managed to reach the 60 plateau one time. He’s scored just one touchdown. He has his first game without a catch since his rookie season.

And he hasn’t caught more than four passes in a game on the year.

Owens isn’t in a funk. He’s in decline.

These Bills aren’t full of heart and clawing back “into it” with their pathetic, lucky win over the New York Jets.

They’re toast. Owens and them, both.

Let’s just hope you figured that out before the other unlucky 90% pf Yahoo! league owners did. Drop the dead weight and pick up Michael Crabtree. Drop the free loader and take a chance on Austin Collie. Bet on Anthony Gonzalez returning to full health and having a better final 10 or so games than Owens will.

Do what Buffalo couldn’t do. Look the other way.

More like get your suicide letter ready. While losing yet again in fantasy football may not actually drive you to end it all, the gut-wrenching feeling of watching your “top dogs” blow chunks certainly can bring the thought to mind.

Terrell Owens was just one of the many stars who came up way too short in week three, sending your once prominent starting line-up into a downward spiral of malcontent and evil-thinking.

Here’s to your opponents running back’s legs breaking this week, and your starting of Thomas Jones against the Saint resulting in more than two points.

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins

(Portis is just about hobbled.)

This calf-bruised, ankle-spurred, son of a bitch has screwed you the wrong way. And I’m not talking about your next door neighbor, your brother-in-law, or your mail man.

Portis hasn’t scored a touchdown all season and was fairly unspectacular leading up to week three, but with a very tasty meal in the Detroit Lions, you were expecting more than a little over 40 yards rushing.

You wanted scores, two of them, at least 80 yards, and a damn ice cream cone.

If it’s any consolation, Portis is hurting about 30 times as much as you are physically, and his mental edge is being weighed down from the hatred he dispenses on his ineffective quarterback, Jason Campbell.

Join Portis in this hatred, and pray that his fortunes turn for the better (as they really should) against a horrible Tampa Bay defense in week four.

Terrell Owens, WR, Buffalo Bills

(Maybe he should start throwing the ball?)

He did squat in week one, showed up a bit in week two, and then did something he hasn’t done in 12 years: didn’t catch a single pass.

Either take this as the dawning of the “phasing-out-e-ness”, or just agree with everyone else that Trent Edwards is a passive little mouse who doesn’t know the first thing about throwing the ball down the field.

Go with the latter, and you’ll realize that, while T.O. never had and still doesn’t have particularly great hands, he’s still good enough to get you 10 points a game (here and there) if someone throwing to him is even remotely competent.

Look for the Bills passing game to bounce back against a Miami defense that is giving up over 260 yards per game through the air.

And be sure to catch all of T.O.’s highlight-reel drops on ESPN.

Thomas Jones, RB, New York Jets

(How can we hate on a guy with such huge muscles?)

Jones has two touchdowns, has been running decently, and probably had you thinking all kinds of sick, dirty thoughts about what you’d do after you beat your fantasy opponent into the ground.

Save the Kleenex for later, fair friends, because Jones took way too many tries to move just about nowhere, and it cost you, dearly.

League scoring varies, naturally, but the last time I checked, Jones didn’t top three points in any scoring format. Yikes.

That means Portis had a better line. And that’s just sad.

Jones has a better matchup against the Saints, but be careful of New Orleans jumping ahead and Rex Ryan moving away from the running game. Because God help him for not doing it earlier last week.

Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys

(The “doing Carrie Underwood” pose.)

We love the guy, heterosexually, of course. He’s got swagger, dimples, moxie, and quite possible several STD’s, considering the starlets he finds himself with.

Oh, don’t tell me Jessica Simpson doesn’t sleep around.

Regardless, what he doesn’t have is great stats, as his only elite game this year came against the woeful Buccaneers. And by elite, I don’t even mean 300+ yards and 3 scores like he did in week one.

Just 200+ yards and one score would suffice at this point.

In the past two weeks Romo-Cop has thrown for under 300 yards both games, and has totaled one touchdown and three picks.

Now he gets Denver on the road. Doesn’t sound like much, but that Denver defense is looking sharp while allowing only one touchdown and 16 total points through three games. You might wanna sit the big smiling kid from Burlington.

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

(Maybe if he stopped hanging out with Carlton…)

Brees, you and I have a difficult relationship. I mean, I love you, man. I want you to be the best man at my wedding, the father of my kids…

Well, I did. But after last week’s below 200-yard effort and zero scores, I’m reconsidering.

Even with a sore matchup with the Jets this week, there’s almost no chance Brees finishes with this line again. Hell, I’m willing to bet he doesn’t finished below 250 the rest of the year.

Look for a few picks against a tough defense, but Brees should jump up back to 300 and three scores.

Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots

(Julian, you boy/girl named tease.)

He’s like the girl at the prom who watches you from the wall behind the speakers, giving you that “come here” look, and then you do come there, and then somehow she’s suddenly talking to some other dude because he brought her some punch-which, coincidentally, you were standing right next to.

Get it?

Edelman, you were supposed to live up to your eight catch, 98-yard Wes Welker-like week two performance. Not three catches for 20 yards, you ass.

Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots

(Welker’s been doing a lot of this lately.)

I would like a comment from every single person that looked like a fool because they lost by four points in week three, simply because they made the poor decision of playing Welker.

If you haven’t learned yet, let me fill you in. You can’t trust Bill Belichick (not even if you’re his kid), and you don’t start game-time decision players when there hasn’t been a decision on their status yet.

Welker is practicing (again), but don’t let that ruin your point potential for the third week in a row. Don’t do it, guys. Don’t do it.

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

(Just look at him. He knows. Oh, he knows.)

I swear, after this tiny out-burst on Brady, I’m done reaming Patriots’ players. After all, Randy Moss and Fred Taylor are in a happy spot in my brain, and I don’t want to ruin the good feeling going on up there.

Brady, on the other hand, has been far from up-lifting since his heroic, lucky, crazy week one performance of nearly 400 yards passing and two scores.

He hasn’t thrown a touchdown since, and his yardage hasn’t been too sexy, either.

Think it’s suddenly going to get better against the Baltimore Ravens defense? Uh, yeah, actually, I do.

Phillip Rivers had a field day against the Ravens. The Chargers didn’t win, but Rivers buttered your fantasy toast just the way you like it.

Hell, even Brodie Croyle made some risk-taking bastard the happiest man in the fantasy realm.

Go for broke with Brady. I mean, it’s not like you’re actually going to play Derek Anderson over Tom Terrific, are you?

John Kuhn, FB, Green Bay Packers

(Dude scored two touchdowns last week.)

Who the hell are you, and why are you stealing fantasy points from Ryan Grant and Aaron Rodgers?

Seriously. The Packers are so inept offensively right now that they have to turn to a back-up fullback for touchdowns?

Did Grant suddenly lose the ability to plunge in for a touchdown from one yard away?

This needs to stop, and it needs to stop now. This goes for Rams tight end Daniel Fells robbing Randy McMichael of two scores last week in the same game, mind you. Ridiculous.

Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

(One run. Four yards. Seriously?)

I know you hurt your ankle, dude, and it should keep you on the shelf for two or three weeks, but come on.

That’s like 0.4 points. Maybe. And most leagues might even consider taking points away for that.

Next time you roll or sprain something, be sure to stay in the game until you muster up 10 lousy points, okay? You’re a football player, not a ballerina. You can withstand the pain to get your boy here one lousy point.

It was just three weeks ago that we were talking about how spot-on Tony Romo was, and how Roy Williams and co. were replacing Terrell Owens so well, some had forgotten “get to popcorn ready” ever existed. Well, I haven’t, and I’m here to tell you that, while it’s not impossible that Romo is fine and his receivers are solid, as it stands, they are not.

And with a trip into Denver against a 3-0 surprise defense and an efficient offense, the Cowboys could be looking at falling to 2-2, and while we hate to admit it, the once glorious fantasy starter, Romo, could deliver his third straight flat performance.

Since destroying the now obviously dysfunctional Tampa Bay defense in week one, Romo has done little more than throw picks (three of them), and watch his running game take over the offense.

While the effective ground game is good for Dallas’s playoff prospects, it is clearly biting into Romo’s fantasy numbers.

The fact that his targets, outside of possibly Jason Witten, have been fairly unimpressive, don’t help him any, either.

So, the question is, will Romo-cop get off the schneid and torch the Denver Broncos, or will he and Dallas become the third team this season to fail to score more than six points against Josh McDaniels surprise defense?

Probably, but it’s unlikely it will be because of Romo. Marion Barber is expected to at least make an appearance, and Tashard Choice should see a solid amount of carries, as the Cowboys will try to punish Denver’s rush defense and keep their over-achieving pass rushers at bay.

Verdict: Romo should find one of his weapons for at least a score and over 200 yards, but expecting anything more out of the passing game against what appears to be an elite defense could be asking too much. Bank on Dallas running the ball more tha half the time, and leave Romo on the bench if you have a better alternative.

Even though they are facing stingy defenses, Matt Schaub and Philip Rivers make much better plays, while Brett Favre offers some upside going against his former team in front of the nation. Also, count on Drew Brees rebounding from his weak no touchdown effort from week three.

Looking for the next big gem but not into digging for it yourself? That’s all gravy.

Take a look at the 10 safest rookie bets after two weeks (by position), along with some analysis toward their future, as well as a good look at their present.

And no, Matthew Stafford doesn’t make the list. Why? Because all he’s good for is interceptions; that’s why.

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

Last Week: 14-22, 167 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT

Sanchez has looked like a seasoned veteran in his first two games, throwing for three touchdowns, 435 yards, and only one interception.

However, the drop from 31 attempts and 272 yards in Week One to 22 attempts and only 167 yards in Week Two is exactly the kind of inconsistency you need to prepare for when dealing with a rookie.

Regardless, Sanchez is doing his best Matt Ryan impression and is easily the better play between him and Matthew Stafford going forward.

Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Last Week: 4 att, 26 yds, 1 TD, 1 rec, 24 yds, 0 TD

We already knew the guy had good speed and the shiftiness of a receiver. What we didn’t know is that he’s also clutch as hell.

Brown burst up the middle for the Colts’ 15-yard winning touchdown run in front of the nation despite only touching the ball four times earlier in the game.

His four carries were quite a drop from his solid 11 totes in Week One, making Brown’s touches and role in the offense a bit unpredictable.

It’s quite clear that Brown is going to stay a part of the Colts ground game, though, and has already contributed 40 yards receiving in two games, offering promise as a potential screen demon.

Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Last Week: 7 att, 44 yds, 0 TD

Wells has had a solid seven touches in both games this season and probably would have seen more action in Week Two if it hadn’t been for his two fumbles.

It’s clear that Arizona is more comfortable with Tim Hightower, especially in the passing game, where Wells has a very disappointing zero catches.

Look for his overall touches to climb to 10-12 in the next few weeks as Wells rises to an average flex play.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Last Week: 5 att, 18 yds, 0 TD, 4 rec, 37 yds, 0 TD

McCoy will only go as far as Brian Westbrook’s health allows him to, which actually makes him a guy to watch heading into Week Three, as Westbrook missed Wednesday’s practice.

With 19 touches for 102 yards, McCoy is averaging 50 yards per game and is a strong candidate to heat up as the season wears on.

With Westbrook’s age (30) and injury concerns, McCoy’s already decent numbers are very promising.

Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Last Week: 5 rec, 41 yds, 1 TD, 2 att, 14 yds, 0 TD

All the assumptions of how Harvin could be used in the Minnesota offense are coming true. He’s proving to be a solid slot receiver, and he has also taken two handoffs in both games while introducing some Wildcat plays heading into Week Three.

Harvin has already developed a nice connection with Brett Favre, as Harvin has totaled eight receptions for 77 yards and two scores through the first two weeks.

Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears

Last Week: 6 rec, 70 yds, 1 TD

Word on the street is that Knox could soon be pushing for Earl Bennett’s starting job. And why not?

All Knox has does thus far as a rookie is notch at least 70 yards receiving in both of his games, providing the Bears with their second deadly deep threat in the passing game.

Knox has a ton of upside and already is showing good route-running ability through just his second NFL game.

Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots

Last Week: 8 rec, 98 yds, 0 TD

Edelman filled in quite nicely for the game-day scratch of Wes Welker, and he even confused many people by playing a lot like the standout receiver.

However, Edelman’s inexperience was fairly evident on several drops, including a sure touchdown near the goal line.

Still, Edelman proved worthy of 16 Tom Brady targets and, with almost 100 yards in his first start, should be a valuable asset to an offense that still has the tools to be quite explosive.

Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans

Last Week: 2 rec, 22 yds, 0 TD

Britt delivered quite a rookie-esque performance after showing his big-play ability in his debut against the Steelers.

Britt is still capable of making plays for Tennessee but will be somewhat limited as the third receiver in a run-first offense.

Louis Murphy, WR, Oakland Raiders

Last Week: 2 rec, 26 yds, 0 TD

Murphy came crashing down to earth a bit after his stellar rookie debut on Monday night in Week One.

Hs two catches for 26 yards make for a far cry from his “waiver-wire wonder” numbers of four catches, 87 yards, and a touchdown in front of the nation in Week One.

The rookie even had another touchdown grab, but it was called back due to a penalty.

Murphy is outperforming first-round draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey by leaps and bounds, performing well enough to make Oakland think twice about benching him in favor of Chaz Schilens.

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions

Last Week: 4 rec, 40 yds, 0 TD

After not being targeted at all in Week One, Pettigrew was fairly active against the Vikings with four catches.

This makes Pettigrew a decent TE2 play going forward, though he’s probably going to get some stiff rookie competition from Buffalo’s Shawn Nelson (three catches, one touchdown).

Michael Vick to Play For Eagles on Sunday

Don’t get too excited, it won’t be as the quarterback.

Still, the coaching staff is counting on Vick to make plays, projecting him to be involved in somewhere between 10-15 plays.

You can probably even count on more than that. Kevin Kolb is expected to start as it stands, but Vick will likely be deployed in a number of packages.

The problem is, just how effective can he be in his first regular season game in more than two years?

Wes Welker Back at Practice

As inspiring as this is, it still means nothing.

While he did participate in Thursday’s practice, he was limited, opening the door to a possible “target share” with rookie Julian Edelman.

Bill Belichick isn’t foolish. If Welker isn’t 100 percent, he’ll just use him as a decoy and get some production out of Edelman. The rookie clearly has talent, and the Patriots would be doing themselves a disservice to sit him the rest of the way.

Monitor this situation all the way up until their game with the Atlanta Falcons.

Jerry Jones Gives Tony Romo Vote of Confidence

Well, I should sure hope so.

They got rid of Terrell Owens, labeling him as the one and only problem in Dallas. And now the owner raises doubt by saying he’s “backing” Romo after one bad game?

Don’t be like Jones and get too excited. Romo was facing the Giants tough front-four and the Cowboys barely lost the game.

Start Romo with confidence this week in a favorable match-up with the Carolina Panthers.

Saints Running Backs Sharing Reps in Practice

Add Tynell Hamilton to the mix in the Saints backfield.

Who? Well, regardless of not being very well known, Hamilton figures to get some grind with Mike Bell (knee) out this week, and Pierre Thomas being slowly brought back from his own knee injury.

Reggie Bush also factors into the muddled equation, making all three Saints running backs risky starts. And you thought it was difficult to predict their production before.

Chargers Center Nick Hardwick Out Until December

It just keeps getting worse for the San Diego running game.

This doesn’t hurt Daren Sproles’ value that much, as most of his production comes from the passing game and bouncing runs outside.

LaDainian Tomlinson, who is dealing with his own injury, could find it even more difficult to run in the middle when he returns, however.

Hardwick has ankle surgery, and if things continue to work against San Diego, he could end up going on IR.

Jamal Lewis Misses Wednesday’s Practice

Lewis is dealing with a bad hamstring, as well as a horrid performance against the Broncos, rushing for just 38 yards on 14 carries.

If he’s out this week, a suddenly-healthy James David could split carries with Jerome Harrison, making both Cleveland back-ups interesting plays.

Well, they would be, if they weren’t facing the Baltimore Ravens.

Marion Barber Practicing, Wants to Play Monday Night

While this isn’t exactly earth-shattering news, it’s worth noting.

Knock Felix Jones’ value down a bit with Barber practicing, although a hindered Barber ensures at least a few more touches for Jones and Barber’s other back-up, Tashard Choice.

The way the Carolina Panthers rush defense is going, all three backs could field solid numbers on Monday night.

(Sanchez was a good sleeper play on Sunday)

Forgive me for playing Nirvana’s “All Apologies” to the max level. But I can’t rid my shame. The guilt, dear God, the guilt.

Actually, that’s a lie, but it’s not for a lack of sorrow that some of my predicted “starts” didn’t pan out. After all, I tend to follow the advice that I give out. So, this week, fair friends, you were not alone.

Through those highs, and those terrible lows, I promise you that you were not alone.

While I may have led you (and you, and you) astray, if only a little bit, I still had enough tricks up my sleeve for the first week of fantasy action.

Enough to keep you listening to my fantasy advice, perhaps? Well, before I indulge myself and your fantasy hopes into another Fantasy Football: Start and Sit column, it’s only my duty to review my picks, and to fully explain why certain players failed to live up to my expectations, while also boosting my ego with my “correct” calls.

The Record: 9-5

The Duds

Okay, so Brett Favre didn’t throw for 200+ yards and two touchdowns. My bad. In fact, he barely cracked 100, and only threw 21 passes.

But no interceptions and a score doesn’t make playing him a total loss. Still, as far as “starts” go, he was a dud.

And I apologize for Willie Parker. Boy, was that a blown call.

I truly did not believe he was that washed up, or that Tennessee’s run defense would show-up like that. Both of those comments could be overblown, but considering Mewelde Moore did pretty well overall, I’m placing most of the blame on Parker no loner living up to his “Fast Willie” nick-name.

The Winners

If you followed my lead and played Greg Jennings (despite a nagging injury), Matt Hasselbeck, and Ray Rice, you were pleasantly surprised.

Rice topped 100 yards rushing, Hasselbeck threw three scores, and Jennings hauled in the game-winning touchdown and over 100 yards against the Bears on Sunday night.

You were probably feeling rather smart if you followed my “Sit” suggestions this week, as well.

Jay Cutler had a forgettable four-pick performance, Larry Johnson only managed 20 rushing yards against the Ravens, Kevin Curtis only had 26 yards against the Panthers, and sitting Pierre Thomas was a good choice.

If you went the extra mile and plugged Mike Bell into your line-up on a whim, kudos to you.

The Sleepers

Jeremy Shockey and Mark Sanchez made me look smart, while Peyton Hillis and David Clowney did nothing to warrant a spot on the “look out for me” list.

The jury is still out on Darren McFadden for tonight, while Carnell Williams (originally a sit candidate) had over 90 yards rushing and a score. Still, with Derrick Ward splitting carries, he will continue to be a risky play.

All in all, it’s only Week One, but with a 9-5 record on my start-and-sit calls, the fantasy gods may soon be shining on you to listen to this advice.

Look for this week’s Fantasy Football: Start and Sit column on B/R, or go straight to www.theredzonereport.com for all of your fantasy advice and NFL news.

Jay Cutler is overrated, and Kyle Orton is a system quarterback. Or is it, Cutler is a wimpy cry baby, and Orton is a simple-minded game-manager?

How about none of those?

Why do either of these guys have to be regarded as fantasy (or real world) busts for 2009, just because they are switching teams?

Yes, they both have new offenses, new coaches, new cities, and new weapons.

But that doesn’t mean they aren’t good or can’t play at an elite level.

Since both of these players have a hate-wagon following them to every city they go to, I beg of you to relax, sit back, and read an unbiased approach to both of their new situations.

Life is about change, people. Remember the song? Change, change…will do you good. No?

Well, still, both of these guys are talented enough to make things happen in their first year in new colors, and I have evidence as to why I believe so.

Jay Cutler

Cutler took over for Jake Plummer mid-way through the season three years ago, and showed enough to Mike Shanahan and co. that they knew they had done the right thing.

Trouble is, they stopped at the quarterback, and never built a new defense.

John Lynch, anyone?

Cutler went on to form a bitter and exciting rivalry with Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers, routinely dominate the Oakland Raiders, and finally turned himself into a sure- fire Pro Bowler in 2008.

You don’t pass for 25 touchdowns and over 4,500 yards on a whim. The guy is talented.

He’s got a Brett Favre-moxie that you can’t teach, a rocket arm, and excellent mobility.

To anyone who doubts his ability to win, or his fading at times in clutch situations, I have some news for you.

The guy is 25 years old.

He just started coming into his own last year, and while a change in scenery could potentially affect that growth, I believe he’s already reached a confidence and talent level too high to be knocked back down to where he was as a rookie.

In Chicago he will find no Brandon Marshall’s, no Eddie Royal’s, and no Mike Shanahan.

But he still has weapons.

Devin Hester’s speed and explosiveness could make both players look like magicians in 2008, and Greg Olsen’s size and speed could make Tony Scheffler look like a baby Mark Chmura.

The point is, Cutler may not be quite as “great” as his Denver weapons and numbers made him out to be, but he also isn’t anywhere close to the wimpy, cry baby, drama king that the trade to Chicago made him out to be, either.

He still knows how to play football, and he’s talented enough to make things happen with the few weapons that Chicago does have.

Oh, and this time around, he’ll actually have a supportive defense.

Kyle Orton

Orton is entering into a system that gave Matt Cassel the quickest quarterback make-over we’ve ever seen.

Cassel had no experience to speak of at any level, and hadn’t started a football game since high school. We may find out fairly soon in Kansas City that, while the guy is talented, he is nowhere near as good as this system (and Randy Moss and Wes Welker) made him out to be.

Do you see the common theme, here? Nothing is what you think it is. At least, not when you’re discussing Cutler and Orton.

Orton tossed over 2,900 yards and 18 touchdowns with those average weapons everyone keeps talking about, and is now walking into Jay Cutler-territory, where he has the luxury of having Marshall, Royal, and Scheffler at his disposal.

So, really, which is it?

Did those talented receivers make Cutler, or did Orton’s lack of talent make him? Or is it both?

I say neither.

Orton proved (on a bum ankle for the final four weeks) that he can manage games, and is talented enough to put up solid numbers, despite not having polished weapons around him.

With a new cast of friends sharing the load on offense, Orton’s numbers could get half-way to where Cutler was last year.

And as far as that whole “system quarterback” label is concerned-so what?

If he is indeed a system quarterback, then that’s all the more reason to pull the trade that Josh McDaniels orchestrated, and nab Orton, a guy who can clearly do what he’s told, when he’s told it, and do it well.

Denver won’t have the defensive support Orton had last year, at least not immediately, but if McDaniels system is anything like Bill Belichick’s in New England, there should be some good results.

Fantasy Summary

If you’re looking to draft either of these guys as sleepers, good luck.

It’s becoming more and more obvious that both quarterbacks are getting very comfortable in their new environment, and with all of their respective offensive weapons healthy, there’s no reason to think they both can’t succeed.

Cutler has his defense backing him, as well as a fantastic weapon in Matt Forte (who people tend to overlook when talking about Cutler’s supporting cast), and whether you like it or not, the guy is actually good.

Orton, on the other hand, is only going to play as bad as Brandon Marshall allows him to, and Eddie Royal is set-up to have huge numbers as the Wes Welker-clone, as well.

If those two receivers are putting up elite numbers, don’t you think Orton will reap some of those benefits?

Real World Summary

If we’re being realistic, it’s as simple as this:

Orton is good enough to help make the Denver offense go, but their offensive line is still aging, and their entire defense is, well, incomplete.

They are probably still a .500 team, but Orton is too smart and safe to have them lose more than nine games.

Cutler, on the other hand, has a good defense and special teams, and while some of his weapons aren’t necessarily elite or proven yet, they have the athleticism and explosive needed to make that jump.

With Cutler’s arm guiding the way, the Bears could enter into the top ten in the league, offensively.

Even if they don’t, Cutler is still better than Orton, and Chicago won’t finish any worse than they did last year, which could equate to Cutler’s first “winning” season.

(Calvin Johnson has already arrived.)

Everyone knows the old cliche’ about wide receivers. They don’t always make an immediate impact as rookies, and despite having natural talent, usually take a while to carve a niche with their team.

About three years, to be exact.

Not everyone can be Randy Moss and bust out 17 touchdowns in their first try, or like last year’s Eddie Royal, and haul in 91 receptions.

No, sometimes fantasy owners and NFL teams are forced to go the traditional route and wait.

Here’s a look at the wide receivers from the 2007 NFL Draft, who are entering their third season, with analysis on their progress and role with their team.

(This article will only analyze those receivers taken in the 2007 draft.)

1. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions)

Johnson is arguably a top-three fantasy receiver, depending on who you’re talking to.

Despite not having a dependable quarterback, or any sort of supporting cast, Johnson racked up over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008.

The new regime is reportedly enamored with Johnson (how couldn’t they be?), as he’s poised to match last year’s numbers, and possibly add to them.

Prediction: 85 rec., 1,479 yards, 13 TD

2. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs)

Bowe has already made a quiet name for himself, as he was the second-best weapon (behind Tony Gonzalez) on Kansas City’s offense in 2008.

With Matt Cassel coming to town, Bowe should easily crack 1,000 yards again with a pass-happy system and an upgrade at the signal caller position.

Bowe has already showed glimpses of his potential with 12 touchdowns in his first two seasons. This should be his break-out year.

Prediction: 87 rec, 1,244 yards, nine TD

3. Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis Colts)

Gonzalez has been showing for the past two years that his speed and hands are more than able to make up for the loss of future Hall of Famer, Marvin Harrison.

His chemistry with Peyton Manning improves with every day of practice, and there’s no doubt Gonzelez can improve (and will) on his 2008 numbers of 57 catches, 664 yards, and four scores.

Prediction: 81 rec, 1,209 yards, eight TD

4. Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins)

Ginn has progressed slower than many had hoped, but he has still shown flashes of electric play-making ability, and has starred as a solid return man, too.

His role has been increasing in the offense over his two years with the team, and to avoid the Wildcat offense from getting predictable, his production will have to increase.

Prediction: 74 rec, 1,088 yards, seven TD

5. Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals)

Breaston has been quite impressive already, as he topped 1,000 yards as the Cardinals reliable third option.

Apparently it’s not very difficult to get open when you have Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin taking all the attention from the secondary. Go figure.

Breaston has already “broken out” more than he or anyone else could have hoped, considering he was the third option last year, and will continue to be in 2009.

His numbers are likely to dip a bit, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t already “arrived.”

Prediction: 72 rec, 955 yards, five TD

6. Steve Smith (New York Giants)

With Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer out of town, Steve Smith is likely to pair up with Domenik Hixon (at least in the early going), and will have a legitimate chance at locking down a starting role.

Smith has good hands and is a solid route runner, and also possesses underrated speed and quickness. If he and Manning can continue the chemistry that landed him 57 catches and over 500 yards.

Prediction: 79 rec, 855 yards, three TD

7. Sidney Rice (Minnesota Vikings)

Rice battled injuries last year, taking him down a peg after putting forth solid effort in his rookie year.

With the potential (and likely) addition of Brett Favre, Rice could easily develop into a solid red-zone target, and could also be a decent down-field threat, as his speed has gotten better every year.

Prediction: 58 rec, 744 yards, six TD

8. James Jones (Green Bay Packers)

Jones and fellow slot receiver candidate, Jordy Nelson, both arguably have the talent right now to unseat Donald Driver.

Unfortunately, they will have to settle (at least for 2009) for fighting over third receiver duties.

While Nelson appears to have the upper hand with better size, speed, and hands, Jones may have more ability after the catch, making him a better fit for the slot.

Regardless, Green Bay’s system leaves the door open for tons of yards and scores to go around, especially as Aaron Rodgers matures.

Prediction: 46 rec, 690 yards, five TD

9. Johnnie Lee Higgins (Oakland Raiders)

Higgins is in line for contending for a starting role, and may end up with one of the starting gigs, almost by default.

Seventh overall selection, Darrius Heyward-Bey, has been slowed for the past month with injuries, and Javon Walker hasn’t been able to put forth 100 percent of his effort in over a year.

Higgins was a highlight reel waiting to happen on returns (three scores), and it’s clear Oakland coaches will do what is necessary to get the ball in his hands.

Prediction: 45 rec, 722 yards, four TD

10. Mike Walker (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Dennis Northcutt and Matt Jones are gone, which leaves the door open for Walker to step in and snag the spot opposite of Torry Holt.

Walker has the skills needed to make the jump, and in limited action, has impressed.

Prediction: 44 rec, 596 yards, three TD

11. Laurent Robinson (St. Louis Rams)

Robinson was a bit of a disappointment in Atlanta, which prompted the Falcons to send him packing to St. Louis.

Now Robinson is a better environment to utilize his skills, but will also have some young talent around him, making his production difficult to gauge.

Prediction: 42 rec, 539 yards, four TD

12. Jason Hill (San Francisco 49ers)

Until further notice, Michael Crabtree and Isaac Bruce are not starters, while Josh Morgan and Jason Hill are.

Hill has good after-the-catch ability, and could snag a spot in the slot, regardless of the play of Crabtree.

Prediction: 39 rec, 477 yards, three TD

13. Chansi Stuckey (New York Jets)

Stuckey burst onto the scene early last year with some nice catches and decent performances, as he and Brett Favre formed some solid chemistry.

However, that eroded mid-way through the season, and we never saw that confident, rising receiver again.

It’s unlikely he’ll reach his potential with Kellen Clemens or a first-year Mark Sanchez throwing him the ball, but he’s a better bet than, say, a Titans receiver.

Prediction: 41 rec, 505 yards, four TD

14. Robert Meachem (New Orleans Saints)

Meachem only makes this list because Drew Brees spreads the ball around more than Fabio spreads I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, and that Saints offense is insanely sick.

He can still run with the best of them, and even as their fourth option, could still put up some decent numbers.

Prediction: 33 rec, 421 yards, three TD

15. Dwayne Jarrett (Carolina Panthers)

Muhsin Muhammad won’t be around forever to rescue Steve Smith from double teams. Come to think of it, I’m not sure he was that great at it last year.

Jarrett isn’t guaranteed slot duties, and is still in a run-first offense. But if he can show he can get it done in pre-season, he could prove to be a dangerous weapon with Steve Smith distracting the secondary.

Like many receivers, though, he’ll have to start slow.

Prediction: 22 rec, 311 yards, four TD