Fantasy Football: Best of the Rest Vol. Two

With byes being held in Week Eight involving the Bears, Packers, Broncos, and Vikings, many top performers are still in active roles this week. The daily NFL soap opera turns out rumor fodder that impacts fantasy football owners when the rumors turn out to be more than smoke.

Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, was cited for marijuana possession Thursday. The fact that he turned over three marijuana "cigars" to police would seem to implicate Holmes rather thoroughly, but he is a first time offender in the NFL drug offender category.

Usually, by NFL Bargaining Agreement rules, a first time offender is usually handled by keeping his name incognito, demanding that a player attend NFL-sponsored drug treatment plans and living under the weight that a next offense comprises a minimum four-game suspension from active participation with his team.

As this is a new development, fantasy owners should expect that Holmes could still be active Sunday, until charges are levied and proven, but don't expect production out of this situation.

Update: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has decided to deactivate Holmes for Sunday's game.

Oakland Raiders rookie running back Darren McFadden is gimping around Raider Nation again. Team officials are worried that his turf toe injury will impact his production the rest of the NFL season. Look for McFadden to be a fantasy non-option again this week.

New York Jets star receiver Laveranues Coles remains a game-time decision for Sunday. His concussion symptoms are described as mild, but he has had no significant work in practices this week. Media sources report that he is expected to play this weekend, however.

Read more: Fantasy Football: Best of the Rest Vol. 2