Warner gets chance to light up the Rams

Let's hope we do better this week.

Quarterbacks

Start Kurt Warner - Arizona's pathetic running game will force Warner to throw the ball all day. Last week he threw for 264 yards and 1 TD on a whopping 46 pass attempts. Expect him to turn it up a notch this week against St. Louis, which callously tossed him away a couple years ago. As you know, Warner's a highly religious fellow, and we think he'll go Old Testament on the Rams' shoddy secondary.

Bench Tim Rattay - Sure, the Niners looked decent against the Rams at Monster Park last week, but that's like saying you scored with Paris Hilton. This week, he faces a significantly more challenging Eagles defense. We think the Alex Smith era may begin after this week, in the sense that Rattay is a big injury risk against that vicious pass rush.

Tattoo's says: Start Carson Palmer. Bench Tom Brady.

Running Backs

Start Jamal Lewis - The NFL's favorite plea bargainer struggled in his season debut against the Colts, who seem to have found a defense to complement their record-breaking offense. Lewis will get an easier assignment against Tennessee, which surrendered over 200 yards last week to the Steelers. We anticipate a huge Sunday for him.

Bench Minnesota RBs - Without stud RB Onterrio Smith, who killed his career with the Whizzenator controversy, the Vikes are using the dreaded committee approach to their running game. In fantasy circles, running-back-by-committee is highly problematic. Coach Mike Tice refuses to commit to Michael Bennett, Moe Williams or Mewelde Moore. Until Tice wakes up, avoid any Minnesota RB.

Tattoo's says: Start Rudi Johnson. Bench Kevan Barlow.

Wide Receivers

Start Donald Driver, Robert Ferguson - By now, you know that premier Green Bay WR Javon Walker is done for the season. The Packers play at Lambeau this week against the putrid Browns. Expect Favre to have a monster day, and with Walker out of the picture, Driver and Ferguson move up the "balls-thrown-to" hierarchy.

Bench Drew Bennett - The Baltimore defense will be very, very angry after last Sunday night's loss to the Colts. Bennett will likely enjoy a successful fantasy season this year catching balls from a healthy Steve McNair. But this Sunday, stud defenders Ray Lewis, Chris McAllister and Ed Reed will angrily delay that renaissance for one more week.

Tattoo's says: Start Joe Horn. Bench Joey Galloway.

Fantasy Island runs weekly. Do you have a question for Mr. Roarke and Tattoo? If so email fantasyisland@smdailyjournal.com Questions and answers will be published in subsequent installments of this column.