With MoJo rising, please pass the crow

A quick question: Anybody have any suggestions for eating crow?

What's the proper condiment? Ketchup? Ranch dressing?

Should it go with potatoes au gratin or onion rings?

Right about now, the only thing I'm sure of is that Maurice Jones-Drew will be serving my crow on a silver platter -- then promptly hitting me over the head with it -- after I suggested two weeks ago to drop him or trade him immediately.

Then came his 296 yards and three touchdowns during the past two weeks.

Uh, whoops.

A fantasy columnist really has only three jobs -- provide insight, maybe make you laugh and definitely don't sabotage your team. I've been decent at the first and hopefully pretty good at the second. But if you paid any attention to my MoJo advice you probably hate me. I deserve it.

Just know this: MoJo's remaining schedule, particularly over the next five weeks, isn't easy. He faces an improving Indianapolis defense, travels to Tampa Bay, New Orleans and Tennessee in three consecutive weeks and then gets to deal with San Diego.

Will he be as bad as he was in the first three weeks? No.

But will he be as good as he was the last two? No.

Well, maybe.

OK, I have no idea.

I do know one thing for sure, though. Pass the salt.

Next week, I'll reveal the mid-season fantasy Most Valuable Players, along with my top 15 fantasy basketball sleepers.

On to the locks of the week.

MONEYMAKERS

Top-tier players who should perform to their value:

• Shaun Alexander, Seattle running back vs. St. Louis: Alexander is coming off arguably the worst two-game stretch of his career -- 60 combined rushing yards on 25 carries against Pittsburgh and New Orleans -- but is ripe for a comeback. His next three matchups are favorable, and he should be a prime trade target. Try to deal him again before the playoffs, though, as the Seahawks' last three games are at Carolina, hosting Baltimore and at Atlanta.

• T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati wide receiver vs. New York Jets: The Bengals' "other" receiver has broken the century mark three straight times and scored in all five games. The J-E-T-S have allowed 243 passing yards per game and 10 touchdowns. Cincy's defense is even worse, so expect a high-scoring affair with lots of balls thrown toward T.J.

• Dallas passing game, all positions vs. Minnesota: The Vikings are really, really good at stopping the run. So Tony Romo will come out throwing against a defense that allows more than 288 yards per game through the air. Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton and Jason Witten should produce, as should Marion Barber out of the backfield.

WINGMEN

Midround picks who should feast on favorable matchups:

• LaMont Jordan, Oakland running back vs. Kansas City: Jordan has bounced back from injuries and a horrendous 2006 to post solid numbers. The Chiefs' defense is improved but is giving up almost 120 yards per game on the ground.

• Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay wide receiver vs. Detroit: Galloway's value relies on one factor: The deep ball. If he hauls in one long pass, he's a fantasy stud. If not, he's basically worthless. After trading Dre Bly to the Broncos, the Lions have scarce talent in the defensive backfield. Hence, the No. 30 pass defense and 10 touchdowns allowed.

• Owen Daniels, Houston tight end vs. Tennessee: Technically, Daniels was a late-round pick, but he's moved into the second tier of tight ends with Dallas Clark and Alge Crumpler. New Texans quarterback Matt Schaub loves his tight ends and looks Daniels' way often. In point-per-reception leagues, Daniels is a monster. Expect another five or six catches this week.

BANK-BREAKERS

Top-tier guys who won't perform up to their value:

• Larry Fitzgerald/Anquan Boldin, Arizona wide receivers vs. Washington: Fitzgerald and Boldin have tons of talent but face two big obstacles this week: Kurt Warner's nonthrowing elbow and a Redskins defense that's allowed a league-low two touchdowns.

• Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo running back vs. Baltimore: "Money" has had an impressive rookie season but will find little running room against the Ravens, who have allowed one rushing TD.

• Chicago defense vs. Philadelphia: The Bears' defense isn't what it once was. Brian Westbrook will have a field day, and if Donovan McNabb can stay off his back, he'll be good for decent numbers. Maybe Rex Grossman wasn't the only problem in the Windy City

QUICK PICK SIX

The best bets for the week, based on value:

Jordan; Romo; RB Adrian Peterson (vs. Dallas); WR Marty Booker (vs. New England); WR Bobby Engram (vs. St. Louis); RB LenDale White (vs. Houston).

Jon Gold is a Review-Journal sportswriter with 10 fantasy football teams. His column is published Friday. He can be reached at jgold@reviewjournal.com.