Three Up, Three Down

UP --Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville
Taylor’s performance has been inconsistent, and he’s had only one breakout week, against the Colts in Week 3 (26 carries for 121 yards). Taylor is a good bet this weekend for two reasons: Jacksonville plays at Denver, which ranks 25th in the NFL against the rush, and Taylor (below)stands to gain most of the carries against the Broncos because his colleague in the Jaguars’ backfield, Maurice Jones-Drew, sprained an ankle last weekend against Pittsburgh.

UP--Wes Welker, WR, New England
Welker and the Patriots also have a favorable matchup this weekend, at San Diego. The Chargers struggle defending the pass (worst in the NFL), and even though striking downfield is not the Patriots’ strong suit, Welker should thrive catching the short stuff — and turning it into big gainers — against a lousy San Diego defense.

UP--Minnesota’s defense
If your regular defense has the week off, consider Minnesota’s, which is likely available. At first glance, the Vikings’ defense is nothing special, but keep in mind that it’s matched up with the lowly Detroit Lions.

DOWN --Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle
Hasselbeck is gutsy (he played on a banged-up knee last weekend), but the Seahawks’ passing game has been brutal. Hasselbeck is completing less than 50 percent of his passes, and his receiving corps isn’t helping. Hasselbeck played behind some terrible offensive lines at BC, and the beatings he took then may be catching up to him now.

DOWN --Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis
Manning remains a top-shelf talent, but he was not worth a first-round pick this season. This could be a good time to trade him. Manning is running for his life behind the worst offensive line he’s had in years. Five touchdowns through four games? Not what his owners were expecting.

DOWN--Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati
Trade Johnson now. After five games, he has one touchdown, and his season high in receptions is four. It’s not all his fault; the Bengals are struggling. But he’ll just be dragging you down if you hold on to him, waiting for his one or two big games.