Between draft day busts, first half injuries, and bye weeks fantasy owners have had their work cut out so far in 2008. With the options listed below, many owners will have the opportunity to bolster their rosters before they have to struggle through the middle of the season.

Pay close attention to the matchups every week because often times a player’s opponent is more important than the player himself. Especially with D/ST’s, it may be easier to pick up a team playing an awful offense than it is to pick up a quality defense.

Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Minnesota Vikings
Status: Top statistical tight end available in most leagues
Key Stats: Three touchdowns so far in ‘08
What to Watch For: With Frerrotte or Jackson throwing to him, he’s got a lot of work to do on his own
Other Notes: The Vikings offense revolves around Adrian Peterson. When he does well, the rest of the team follows suit … A.P. seemed to hit his stride before their Week 8 bye and that could mean good things for Shiancoe.
Bottom Line: Good option if your draft day choice has turned out to be a bust

Billy Miller, New Orleans Saints
Status: Has seen increased role as Shockey was hurt and hasn’t been performing
Key Stats: Has at least 50 yards in each of last 4 games
What to Watch For: Shockey’s production to increase as he gets back to full strength
Other Notes: Brees has been airing it out all season and will continue to do so. Anyone involved in their passing offense has a chance to produce week-in and week-out
Bottom Line: Good for at least five points when your starter is on a bye

Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos
Status: Struggling as Broncos passing game has fallen off the table
Key Stats: 136 yards and 2 TDs in the first 2 weeks of 2008
What to Watch For: Ability to get touches with WRs Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal in town
Other Notes: The Denver passing attack looked prolific to start the ‘08 campaign. If it can return to form, Scheffler’s numbers will as well
Bottom Line: Have faith; Cutler’s been running his mouth and will have to back it up sooner or later

Martellus Bennett, Dallas Cowboys
Status: Will see an increased role with Jason Witten injured
Key Stats: 88 yards and a score in the last two games
What to Watch For: QB situation; Brad Johnson doesn’t have the arm strength to throw downfield
Other Notes: Has seen increased production with Johnson under center, even with Witten still in the lineup
Bottom Line: A risk; worth an add in deep leagues if Witten misses Week 9

KICKERS

Matt Bryant, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Status: Kicking well for the Bucs so far in ‘08
Key Stats: 10-for-10 inside 40 yards this year
What to Watch For: The Bucs offense has struggled as of late and that could mean increased opportunities
Other Notes: After the death of his young son Bryant showed up and had a fantastic game - Great story but doesn’t necessarily mean that kind of game will be come a habit for him
Bottom Line: Decent option for when your kicker is on a bye

Shaun Suisham, Washington Redskins
Status: Coming off a four-field-goal performance in Week 8
Key Stats: Seven kicks from at least 40 yards out this year
What to Watch For: The Redskins offense has struggled in the red zone recently and this means more points for Suisham
Other Notes: With the way Clinton Portis is running, the Skins are going to be controlling the ball a lot which gives plenty of field goal opportunities.
Bottom Line: Should be a starter in most leagues

Rian Lindell, Buffalo Bills
Status: Playing well on a Bills team that’s surprising a lot of people in ‘08
Key Stats: Seven kicks good from 40 yards or further thus far
What to Watch For: Marshawn Lynch and company have been good in the red zone this year which makes it hard for Lindell to get opportunities
Other Notes: Has made three field goals in three separate games already this season
Bottom Line: Could start in a majority of fantasy leagues

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

New York Jets
Status: Playing a Bills team coming off a big loss to Miami
Key Stats: 24 sacks on the season
What to Watch For: Continued inconsistency
Other Notes: With two defensive TDs on the year they likely lead most free-agent teams in that category
Bottom Line: A decent backup option if your first D/ST has a tough matchup

Washington Redskins
Status: Playing the Pittsburgh turnover machine in Week 9
Key Stats: 10 sacks, five interceptions, three fumble recoveries thus far
What to Watch For: Tough NFC East Schedule ahead
Other Notes: The Skins have been known to get involved in ugly defensive battles, so if your league weights points-against heavily this could be a good addition
Bottom Line: Play the matchups