We all know that an opportunity lost for one fantasy owner is an opportunity gained for another.
But, in the last few weeks, opportunities lost in the form of Tom Brady, Tony Romo or Matt Hasselbeck have yielded far lesser opportunities in Matt Cassel, Brad Johnson, Charlie Frye and Seneca Wallace.

All of these guys demand waiver wire consideration, but can they serve any purpose to fantasy teams other than acting as warm bodies during bye weeks? The answer, in most cases, is a resounding “not really,” but help has to come in any form an owner can get.

Johnson leads our group of free agent quarterbacks, just because of the arsenal available to him in Tony Romo’s absence with a broken pinkie finger. Adding Roy Williams to the fold should give even the weakest-armed quarterback enough to make a splash in fantasy.

Atlanta rookie Matt Ryan is still available in a majority of leagues, but not for much longer after his career performance in a comeback win over Chicago.

Colts running back Dominic Rhodes may or may not get a start this weekend, depending on the state of Joseph Addai’s hamstring. Rhodes got a heavy work load in Indianapolis’ 31-3 win over Baltimore, rushing 25 times for 73 yards a touchdown.

Rhodes is the most attractive option in a thin class of running backs that also includes veterans Warrick Dunn and Ahman Green. But, those willing and able to reach can aim for Broncos rookie Ryan Torain, who has resumed practice after a summer elbow injury and could push for a starting job in the season’s second half.

Wide receivers are found in all shapes and sizes on the waiver wire, so finding replacements for Larry Fitzgerald, Roddy White or DeSean Jackson should be a cinch.

Picking through a bunch of PPR league stars like Matt Jones, Steve Smith or Kevin Walter, the best package of upside and friendly matchup can be found in Chicago’s Devin Hester. He comes off three straight solid weeks and faces a soft Vikings pass defense on his home turf, where quarterback Kyle Orton has thrived.

Below are profiles of our top quarterback, running back and wide receiver free agents. In order to make the list, a player must enter this week available in at least 50 percent of ESPN.com leagues. Some notable players worth immediate consideration, but just missed our availability cut line: Patriots QB Matt Cassel, Cardinals RB Tim Hightower, Raiders RB Justin Fargas, Broncos RB Michael Pittman and Patriots RB Sammy Morris.
 
QUARTERBACKS

Brad Johnson, Dallas Cowboys
Status: Leading offense chalk full of weapons
Key Stats: Had 9 TDs to 15 INTs in last extensive work as starter
What to Watch For: More dynamic play, ability to get ball downfield
Other Notes: Set to start in Tony Romo’s place for the next 4 weeks … Tuesday trade to obtain WR Roy Williams gives Johnson three big play receivers in WRs Terrell Owens and Williams and TE Jason Witten … calm veteran presence may actually be a benefit to a turbulent situation in Big D.

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Status: Playing in no way like a rookie
Key Stats: Career-high 301 yards last week vs. Chicago
What to Watch For: More consistent yardage totals
Other Notes: His 301 yards in Week 6 represented not only his first career 300-yard passing game, but his first 200-yard passing game … will face a stern test in Week 8 when the Falcons travel to Philadelphia.

Chad Pennington, Miami Dolphins
Status: Being his typical accurate self in Miami
Key Stats: Has completed 58-of-74 passes (78.3 percent) over last 3 weeks
What to Watch For: Continued overachievement by Dolphins
Other Notes: Has a weak arm, but is on pace for the highest yards per attempt (8.0) average of his career … benefits greatly from presence of Ronnie Brown and Miami’s use of the Wildcat offense … has a good, not great, supporting cast in WRs Greg Camarillo and Ted Ginn Jr. and TE Anthony Fasano.

Gus Frerotte, Minnesota Vikings
Status: Offering surprisingly acceptable production
Key Stats: Has 200+ yards passing in all 4 starts
What to Watch For: More scoring; has 3 TDs and 3 INTs
Other Notes: Even with big yardage totals, Vikings offense has been stagnant … real-life success will be measured in wins and losses … has a lowly 55.7 percent completion rate, which is actually above his career average of 54.3 percent.

Marc Bulger, St. Louis Rams
Status: Back in the saddle as Rams starting QB
Key Stats: Had 136 yards, 0 TDs last week vs. Washington
What to Watch For: New energy from lifeless Rams offense
Other Notes: Gets second chance at starting job after coach Scott Linehan was fired and replaced by Jim Haslett … change in coaches was best thing for Rams offense and for Bulger, who was named starter for the rest of ‘08.
 
RUNNING BACKS

Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis Colts
Status: Potentially starting in Week 7 at Green Bay
Key Stats: Had 25 rushes for 73 yards and a TD last week
What to Watch For: Status of starter Joseph Addai’s hamstring
Other Notes: Is a solid play against a Green Bay defense that has struggled to stop the run … even if Addai returns to the lineup, head coach Tony Dungy will likely limit his work load … monitor the situation closely during the week, but Rhodes should be at the top of wish lists for those owners seeking running back help.

Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Status: Getting fair share of carries in committee with Earnest Graham
Key Stats: Has 49 carries to Graham’s 35 in last 3 weeks
What to Watch For: Consistent work load, chances for TDs
Other Notes: Not a ton of upside here, but coach Jon Gruden is making a concerted effort to find touches for him … Graham was forced into fullback duties during Tampa’s Week 6 win over Carolina, but should return to usual role on Sunday … Dunn has had 9+ touches in all 6 weeks thus far.

Ahman Green, Houston Texans
Status: Back in action … but for how long?
Key Stats: Averaging 44 ypg in 2 games this season
What to Watch For: Split in carries with rookie Steve Slaton
Other Notes: An annual injury concern … Slaton is running well as the starter, for now, but has durability issues of his own … Green can easily grab a 50 percent share of the workload, maybe more, if he stays healthy.

Kevin Faulk, New England Patriots
Status: Healthy, coming off back-to-back solid efforts
Key Stats: 13 catches for 114 yards in 4 games
What to Watch For: Consistent touches with Pats RBs nursing injuries
Other Notes: Each Patriots running back plays a different role … Faulk’s is generally as a third-down back and pass catcher, so big scoring efforts are exception to the rule … is a viable bye week option in PPR leagues, especially with RBs Laurence Maroney and LaMont Jordan questionable this week.

Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals
Status: In good position as Cincy’s new backup
Key Stats: 14 carries for 36 yards in 2 weeks with Bengals
What to Watch For: Starter Chris Perry’s fumble-itis
Other Notes: New signee has moved to No. 2 on depth chart, behind starter Perry and in front of situational back Kenny Watson … Perry leads the NFL in fumbles, a trend that won’t be tolerated if Benson runs well.

Ryan Torain, Denver Broncos
Status: On the mend from preseason elbow injury
Key Stats: Yet to play in an NFL game
What to Watch For: State of Denver’s backfield upon his return
Other Notes: Coach Mike Shanahan loves what he can do, though, so know the name … was in the mix to start before dislocating his elbow in training camp … has some work to do to overtake Selvin Young, Michael Pittman and/or Andre Hall on the depth chart.
 
WIDE RECEIVERS

Steve Breaston, Arizona Cardinals
Status: Capitalizing on absence of Anquan Boldin
Key Stats: Has 24 catches for 301 yards, TD in last 3 weeks
What to Watch For: Boldin’s recovery from fractured sinus
Other Notes: May still have value, even after Boldin returns … Cardinals are a pass-happy unit, and QB Kurt Warner spreads the ball around … Arizona has a bye in Week 7, so Boldin figures to come back in time for a Week 8 matchup at Carolina.

Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
Status: Learning WR position quickly
Key Stats: Has 3 straight fantasy-relevant efforts
What to Watch For: More education - still raw as a WR
Other Notes: Didn’t get off to a strong start, but has harnessed his immense ability in last few weeks … only real vertical option the Bears have … QB Kyle Orton’s improvement directly impacts his fantasy value … also adds possibility of a return touchdown.

Matt Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
Status: Having a surprising - and consistent - season
Key Stats: Tied for 11th in NFL with 30 catches
What to Watch For: More explosion - Jags don’t feature many deep looks
Other Notes: Has a unique mix of size and speed, which makes him valuable to QB David Garrard on both short and long fields … reasonable to expect more red zone looks as he matches up with smaller corner backs and slower linebackers.

Kevin Curtis, Philadelphia Eagles
Status: Nearing return from sports hernia surgery
Key Stats: 1,110 yards, 6 TDs in ‘07
What to Watch For: Where he fits in with Reggie Brown, DeSean Jackson
Other Notes: Eagles have a bye in Week 7, which should buy enough time to get healthy for Week 8 … prior to this season, hadn’t missed a game since 2004 … likely to leapfrog Jackson on depth chart and send the rookie into a reserve role … had at least 5 catches in 9 of his last 12 games in ‘07.

Kevin Walter, Houston Texans
Status: A vastly underrated fantasy option
Key Stats: Houston ranks 6th in the NFL with 248.6 passing ypg
What to Watch For: Play of QB Matt Schaub
Other Notes: Is a big and reliable target for Schaub … also reliable in fantasy, as he stands opposite Andre Johnson, who draws plenty of double teams … had 5 or more catches in 7 of his final 12 games last season … got unexpected bye in Week 2 because of damage caused by Hurricane Ike.

Steve Smith, New York Giants
Status: Fitting in nicely in Giants’ passing game
Key Stats: 9 catches for 94 yards in MNF loss to Cleveland
What to Watch For: How things unfold with Burress back in the mix
Other Notes: Not going to be a big scoring threat, but is relied upon to keep the chains moving in the possession game … still, is battling for catches with Burress, Amani Toomer and others … has 18 catches in his last three games.

Greg Camarillo, Miami Dolphins
Status: Emerging as a Chad Pennington favorite
Key Stats: 18 catches for 226 yards, TD over last 4 games
What to Watch For: His place in the red zone pecking order
Other Notes: An intriguing option … is a slick, crafty receiver who does a nice job finding holes in coverage … has been consistent with at least 4 catches in each of his last 4 games … emerged at the end of ‘07 with 2 touchdowns in Miami’s last 3 games, including a 109-yard effort in the team’s lone win over Baltimore.

Shaun McDonald, Detroit Lions
Status: Getting more prominent role after Roy Williams trade
Key Stats: Had 79 catches for 943 yards and a TD in ‘07
What to Watch For: How life treats him without OC Mike Martz
Other Notes: A smallish possession receiver who benefited greatly from Martz’s pass-heavy scheme last season … has been a non-factor this season, but moves into the Lions’ No. 2 WR role with Williams now in Dallas … a better option in PPR leagues, as most red zone looks will go to second-year WR Calvin Johnson.

Donnie Avery, St. Louis Rams
Status: Rising up Rams’ WR ranks
Key Stats: Career-best 4 catches for 73 yards in Week 6
What to Watch For: Improvement in Rams’ passing game
Other Notes: Rookie was the first WR taken in the 2008 draft … career game in a win over Washington came two weeks after scoring his first TD, a 37-yard run vs. Buffalo … possible heir apparent to Torry Holt, who has nearly an identical build to Avery.