Week 3 likely left many fantasy owners fretting about the next couple weeks in regards to the “bottom of their order”. Jeremy Shockey (sports hernia) is M.I.A. for the next 4-to-6 weeks, Jason Witten missed the end zone for the third straight game, the Pats D might as well have sat out a 38-13 loss to Miami, and the immortal Adam Vinatieri has just three field goals this season.

But fear not. With the bye weeks looming ahead in this weekend’s forecast, here are some suggestions on how to stay dry when injuries, draft busts, and inconsistent performances threaten to rain out a Week 4 victory. Be sure to act fast; with players dropping due to injuries, teams taking the week off, and owners giving up on current starters, these guys won’t stick around on waivers much longer.

TIGHT ENDS

Anthony Fasano, Miami Dolphins
Status: Parcells guy from Dallas thriving in Miami
Key Stats: 150 yards and two touchdowns in 2008
What to Watch For: Ronnie Brown and the Miami running game limiting Chad Pennington’s pass attempts
Other Notes: This is Fasano’s first opportunity as a No. 1 tight end … is handling the load well so far

Billy Miller, New Orleans Saints
Status: Stepping into good situation with Colston, Patten and Shockey injured
Key Stats: 2 for 41 yards in a loss to Denver last week
What to Watch For: Drew Brees likes to spread the ball around; look for other guys to step up, including those returning from injuries
Other Notes: Caught two touchdowns for New Orleans last year

Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings
Status: Getting a better shake with Frerotte under center
Key Stats: 2 receptions for 38 yards and a TD in Week 3
What to Watch For: Minnesota to throw more vs. tough Titans run D
Other Notes: Week 3 score was his first since October 2007

Jerramy Stevens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Status: Coming off an impressive debut after two-week suspension
Key Stats: 5 receptions, 61 yards, 1 TD vs. Chicago
What to Watch For: Emerging QB feud between Brian Griese and Jeff Garcia
Other Notes: Had four scores in only three 2007 starts for the Bucs

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST
Status: Hosting Packers in Week 4 Action
Key Stats: Have recorded eight sacks, grabbed five picks, and scored twice in ‘08
What to Watch For: Match-ups … have Seattle, KC, Detroit, and Oakland still to come                  Other Notes: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will be making his first start for former rivals from disbanded NFC Central

Buffalo Bills D/ST
Status: Playing at St. Louis against new starting QB Trent Green
Key Stats: Four turnovers and a return touchdown this year
What to Watch For: How special teams react to playing without stud return guy Roscoe Parrish, who underwent thumb surgery on Tuesday
Other Notes: St. Louis has yet to score more than 13 points in a game

Cincinnati Bengals D/ST
Status: Haven’t been owned in a fantasy league since 1992, but play Cleveland in Week 4
Key Stats: Browns starter Derek Anderson leads the NFL with 5 INTs
What to Watch For: Contest could be shootout; points against may be an issue
Other Notes: Anderson is playing poorly and Brady Quinn’s name is being whispered across Ohio … if the starter chokes, a change might take place

New Orleans Saints D/ST
Status: Host the Niners in Week 4 action
Key Stats: 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 return TD
What to Watch For: O’Sullivan has made some mistakes, but may be getting his feet under him
Other Notes: Reggie Bush is always a threat to take a punt to the house, and a weak San Fran kick coverage team adds to the probability of a big play

KICKERS

Josh Scobee, Jacksonville Jaguars
Status: Hit game-winning kick against Indy last week
Key Stats: Has made two from 50+ yards out
What to Watch For: The Jags running game seemed to show up for the first time last week…This may mean more extra points, but less chances for shots near midfield
Other Notes: Is automatic from close range …34-for-35 in his career from under 30 yards

Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders
Status: Coming off two consecutive 11+ point games
Key Stats: 6-of-6 in field goal attempts this year, including a 56-yarder
What to Watch For: Points — ability for Raiders to move the ball against athletic Bolts D
Other Notes: Hit six kicks from 50 yards out in 2007