The presence of the World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals seemed to provide him with quite the inspiration, as he recorded 159 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries and added another four receptions for 32 yards threw the air.  Jackson’s bruising ground-attack allowed the Rams to control the clock and keep Drew Brees on the sidelines throughout much of the game.  The end result would be a 31-21 Rams win, as Jackson earns “The Stat Line of the Night” for Sunday, October 30, 2011.

While my advice would be to start the players that are getting you the points you need week by week, no matter where you drafted them, your best bet is to stay away from potential busts altogether on draft day.

Here is a look at five guys who I believe may not end up being all that you think they are.  Consider them the early favorites for 2009 “bust of the year”:

Steven Jackson, RB, STL : Jackson finds himself to be a high pick on many draft boards, but if you can, I would suggest staying away.  He plays on a terrible Rams team that will often be playing from behind.  That means limited rushing opportunities, and he hasn’t exactly been the healthiest guy either missing four games in each of the past two seasons.  Also worth noting is that Jackson has only recorded over 10 touchdowns once in his five year career, back in 2006 when he had 15 total.

Matt Cassel, QB, KC : Matt Cassel was a pleasant surprise last year and a solid replacement for owners of fantasy stud Tom Brady.  His 3693 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions were so impressive that he was given a big contract by the Chiefs, but things aren’t going to be as bright in Kansas City.  He will no longer have Randy Moss and Wes Welker to throw to and Bill Belichick calling the plays.  To make things worse, there are already talks that he may not even have the starting job secure.  A couple bad games and it could be Brodie Croyle under center for the Chiefs.

Joseph Addai, RB, IND : As quickly as he rose to the ranks of a top fantasy running back, Joseph Addai has fallen back down to reality.  After an impressive 2007 campaign where he gained a total of 1436 yards and 15 total touchdowns, Addai was only able to come up with 750 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2008.  He also suffered through injuries and with the Colts picking up Donald Brown with their first round pick, it could be time to look past this former top fantasy running back.

Brandon Marshall, WR, DEN : He has loads of skill, but many have questioned his attitude.  While that may not hold Marshall back on the field, the addition of Kyle Orton at quarterback very likely will.  Marshall has been a fantasy stud at wide receiver the past two seasons, posting over 100 catches each year and over 1250 yards as well, but don’t be surprised if he becomes ‘ second favorite option behind second-year man Eddie Royal.

Antonio Bryant, TB, WR : Antonio Bryant had a breakout season last year posting 1248 receiving yards and 7 TDs, and that has increased his value in the eyes of many owners, but don’t expect a repeat in 2009.  Bryant will no longer have Jeff Garcia throwing to him and it doesn’t help his cause that he will be out for the remainder of the preseason and possibily the beginnig of the regular season with a knee injury.

Yesterday was the first day back on the field for Brady in his long road back to supremacy, and although he felt a little rusty, he was just happy to get back out there and do his thing.  He practiced with a knee brace on under his sweat pants, but felt he could have gone without it had the trainers not requested he wear it.  As for the beginning of the season, slated for Monday, September 14, at home against the Bills, he believes he will be ready to go baring any unforeseen circumstances.  Good news to fantasy owners and Pats fans alike, but bad new for Bills fans.

So now that he is back, it will be interesting to see where he goes on draft boards for the 2009 NFL Fantasy Football season.  Here is what my list of the top 10 in all offensive positions looks like.

(Using standard scoring of 1 point/10 yards rushing/receiving, 1pt/25 yards passing, and 6 pts/touchdown)

1.  Adrian Peterson, RB, Min – He remains one of the most explosive and physical players in the game and should continue to be a top fantasy point producer.  If only Brett Favre could come and help take off some of the load.

2.  Matt Forte, RB, Chi – The second year running back will hope that there is no sophomore jinx in the windy city.  And in case he needed it, he now has Cutler to take off some of the pressure.  He could be ahead of Peterson in some polls.

3.  Michael Turner, RB, Atl – The burner was definitely on last year and expect no different this year.  Turner has all the intangibles to be a great runner and as a young Falcon team continues to improve, so should he.

4.  Tom Brady, QB, NE - Here is where I may deviate from the norm just a bit.  Many have Drew Brees slated as the top quarterback after his performance last year, but I will go back with a fully recovered Tom Brady.  He should be fine once the season starts, he doesn’t get hit often, and after Matt Cassel’s showing last year, I think even a 90% Brady will be just fine with Bill Belichick looking after him.

5.  Drew Brees, QB, NO – After putting up big numbers last year, Drew Brees will look to do that same and avoid another off year, like his 2007 campaign.  With Reggie Bush and Marques Colston each gaining another valuable year of experience, expect him to remain a top flight fantasy producer.

6.  Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jac – Fred Taylor is gone and the Jags used their first two pic of the 2009 entry draft to beef up the offensive line.  That all comes as good news to MJD, and I expect this touchdown machine to respond with career high numbers.

7.  DeAngelo Williams, RB, Car – One of the most dominant players down the stretch last year, Williams looks to begin where he left off, and with one of the most effective offensive lines in football, that shouldn’t be a problem.

8.  Steven Jackson, RB, Stl – The acquisition of Jason Smith with the second overall pick should help create room for Jackson, and if Bulger can spread the ball through the air to take some attention away from him, he may once again find himself on top of the fantasy world.

9.  Steve Slaton, RB, Hou – He put up impressive numbers in his rookie season, and should be that much better in 2009.  With Matt Shaub and Andre Johnson patroling the other offensive “skilled” positions, Slaton should be able to put up consistent numbers to counter the Texans passing attack.

10.  Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Ari – I do not like taking wide receivers in the first round, and faced with the opportunity, would likely stick by that rule of thumb, but with Larry Fitzgerald on the board, it could be tough to resist.  His ability to make plays and score touchdowns allows him to produce like some RB’s.  Will he and his Cards be able to repeat the remarkable season they had on ’08?  If so, he’s a steal here.

Total Pro Sports – At this point in the fantasy football season it is time to start benching big name players in favor of better match-ups.  Some of these players have struggles this year while others have a bad match-up which could limit there production significantly. 

Here is a list of the fantasy football bench warmers of week 4.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers,

Big Ben took a beating last week in Philly and it looks like it could happen to him again as the Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens.  Another reason to let this guy ride the pine is because star runner Willie Parker will also miss the game with an injury.

Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams,

Jackson is always a preseason favorite to be a premier running back in the league, This year the Rams have struggled mightily and have barely put up any points.  Also, Marc Bulger will be benched in favor of Trent “The Sack Machine” Green, which is really bad news for their offense.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs,

Despite playing on one of the worst teams in the league Bowe has put up respectable numbers.  That should change this week as Denver has perhaps the best tandem of corners in the league in Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly.  If you have another receiver to start do because Bowe could struggle.

Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears,

Olsen was another player who was hyped up coming into this season and has struggled to put up numbers.  You should stay away from playing him this week because he draws a difficult match-up against Philly’s great secondary.
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Be sure to check back next week for a look at the fantasy football bench warmers of week 5.