McNabb has struggled recently with 592 passing yards and four touchdowns with six interceptions the past three games, but how often do you see a team pull their star QB?

Could you imagine the Indianapolis Colts pulling Peyton Manning? How about the New York Jets yanking Favre after a few picks?

McNabb's replacement, Kevin Kolb, went 10-of-23 passing for 73 yards and two interceptions -- not exactly the kind of numbers that make you want to rush out and sign him off the free-agent wire.

With the Eagles playing their way out of the postseason, McNabb might no longer be a reliable fantasy option if Philly decides to use Kolb more often in meaningless games. The move could further hurt the fantasy value of Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson and Co. -- which might be hard to do considering their lack of production in recent weeks.

Westbrook -- a top-5 fantasy pick going into the season -- is having his own problems with four straight touchdown-less games. He hasn't rushed for 100-plus yards since Oct. 26 against the Atlanta Falcons (167 yards, 2 TDs).

Jackson has 15 catches for 194 yards and no touchdowns in the last four games, but don't blame the return of Kevin Curtis, who has 18 receptions for 184 yards and no TDs over that span.

The Eagles are heading to the fantasy scrap heap down the stretch along with the Cincinnati Bengals , St. Louis Rams and Oakland Raiders .

LOOKING FOR AN EDGE? -- Four weeks ago, the Arizona Cardinals turned over their starting running back job to rookie Tim Hightower and he responded with 109 yards and a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams.

Hightower has struggled since then, with the two touchdowns against the New York Giants last week being his only meaningful contributions in the last three games. Otherwise, Hightower has just 78 yards to show for his last 35 carries.

When he was Edgerrin James' backup earlier in the season, Hightower had six scores in seven games and was a worthy touchdown vulture each week. Perhaps the Cards should go back to James (384 yards, three TDs) to boost their run game and Hightower's fantasy value.

The Cardinals are never going to be a great ground attack with Kurt Warner at quarterback, but right now they are anemic running the ball.

WHERE HAVE YOU GONE LT? -- LaDainian Tomlinson -- another top-5 fantasy in in the preseason -- has really fallen on hard times in San Diego.

Not even a game against the Indianapolis Colts and their horrific run defense could give Tomlinson a boost last Sunday. He finished with 21 carries for 84 yards and was kept out of the end zone for the eighth time this season. LT has just one touchdown since Week 4 and only five on the season to go with 770 yards. His lack of production has demoted him to second-tier status in the fantasy running back ranks.

While LT has flopped in San Diego, his former understudy Michael Turner is making a run at MVP with seven touchdowns and 294 yards the past three games with the Atlanta Falcons.

SIDELINE CHATTER -- The Miami Dolphins took a blow this week with the loss of receiver Greg Camarillo (knee) for the season. Camarillo, Miami's most productive receiver, was injured against the New England Patriots , and his absence figures to impact Chad Pennington's value the rest of the season. "? Anyone seen Fred Taylor of the Jacksonville Jaguars lately? Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew were supposed to be the NFL's best 1-2 puch on the ground going into the season, but Taylor has 436 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games. "? Maybe there's something to Shaun Hill in San Francisco. Hill has thrown for 733 yards and six touchdowns over the last three weeks and given life to a limp 49ers offense.

Contact William S. Paxton at wpaxton@ctpost.com

Start 'em

QB Matt Cassel, Patriots -- A no-brainer after consecutive 400-yard games.

RB LenDale White, Titans -- Fisher was to re-establish the run and Lions are up next.

RB Thomas Jones, Jets -- Seems to have found new life in balanced New York offense.

WR Randy Moss, Patriots -- Cassel has discovered what Brady did -- Randy needs the ball.

WR Lance Moore, Saints -- Five TDs in last four games and consecutive 100-yard efforts.

TE Vernon Davis, 49ers -- The former first-round bust showing signs of life.

K John Carney, Giants -- Consistent all season for New York.

D Dolphins -- The Rams are on the schedule -- need I say more?

Sit 'em

QB Daunte Culpepper, Lions -- Apparently he's not the answer in Detroit either.

RB Willie Parker, Steelers -- Undependable week-to-week and afraid of contact now, too.

RB Cedric Benson, Bengals -- One good week does not make you a fantasy star.

WR Lee Evans, Bills -- Commitment to run in Buffalo hurting his value.

WR DeSean Jackson, Eagles -- Only 1 TD all season and QB issues in Philly could make it worse.

TE Chris Baker, Jets -- Dustin Kellar's emergence has limited his workload.

K Jason Hanson, Lions -- Good at home, but might have little work vs.Titans..

D Seahawks -- TO, Cowboys figure to want to put on a show for Thanksgiving.