Fantasy soda: News and views from the world of fantasy football

Rams running back Steven Jackson made an interesting observation on his Twitter account this week: "What is it about Sade, u can't drive fast to her music ... Lol."

Exactly! Oh, Steven, that's so funny. I had a similar thought about Sade this week, only I wasn't driving. Sorry soft-music lover, but you're my STUD TO SIT for Week 3. With St. Louis at home against a Washington defense that has held up well against the run (only 80.5 yards allowed per game) but ranks No. 31 in passing yards allowed, I'm putting my eggs in young Sam Bradford's basket, instead. And even though Jackson's knee is not expected to cause much fuss come Sunday, it's just one more reason for me to believe the Rams will rely on their passing attack against the Redskins.

BREAKING NEWS Percy Harvin is back on the practice field after experiencing a massive migraine that had him bedridden for two days with only Madden 11 to keep him company.

CALL ME CRAZY (and I mean, like, Ryan from the Real World: New Orleans crazy) ... but I like Dallas running back Marion Barber in this week's contest against Houston's No. 2-ranked run defense. Only Detroit, New Orleans and Washington have gained fewer rushing yards than Dallas this season, but that has been due to a lack of commitment on the Cowboys' coaching staff's part more than it is a knock on Barber or backfield mate Felix Jones. In fact, in the season opener against Washington, Barber was moving the ball with success (4.9 yards per carry) until his team was forced to play in panic mode. In a must-win against Houston, fantasy owners can expect both backs to see an increase in touches. And even though the Texans have allowed just 62 rushing yards this season, the unit has earned its reputation against the likes of Joseph Addai and Clinton Portis. Sorry, no respect.

I'll take the SHORT ODDS that Bristol Palin outlasts Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino on Dancing with the Stars. Political drama is selling better right now than orange-painted self-proclaimed guidos. More short odds? Why not. I also like Philadelphia's new starting quarterback, Michael Vick, to have another fantasy starting lineup-worthy performance in Week 3. Over the last two weeks Vick has played some of his best ball from under center, and fantasy owners can expect him to destroy a Jaguars defense that has given up 600 passing yards in two weeks and ranks dead last in the NFL in yards allowed per attempt (10.1). Vick ranks eighth in yards per attempt (7.91).

Kim Kardashian's and Miles Austin's split caught no one by surprise. A rep called it "mutual," but I'm not buying. My hunch is that Reggie Bush told Miles he wanted his trophy back once he realized how bare his mantel had gotten all of a sudden. Speaking of favorable pairs, my not-so-obvious DOUBLE DOWN this week is San Francisco's tandem of Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree. The Chiefs permitted Seneca Wallace to pass for 229 yards last week -- Seneca Wallace! -- and will have all they can do to contain tight end Vernon Davis in the deep middle. Crabtree has scored exactly seven points for fantasy owners in PPR leagues so far this year, and yet San Francisco stands as the 10th most productive passing offense thanks to Smith, who ranks 12th in completion percentage (forget about his four interceptions, not important here). The 49ers would love to get Crabtree more involved in the offense to force opponents to defend every inch of the field; this week provides them with the perfect opportunity to do so.

A story problem fit for a BASIC MATH student: Arizona's Tim Hightower has gained 169 yards on 24 carries in two contests. That equates to 7.04 yards per carry -- an average that ranks Hightower ahead of every other running back in pro football. So, remind me, why is this guy still sitting on the bench in so many leagues?

Victimize your brother-in-the-law in a four-player deal that would make the Jesse James Gang jealous? We want to hear about it. E-mail us the details of the lopsided trade you pulled off and see your league mate suffer from public ridicule. Winning entries will receive a personalized email from this column's author.

Mike Beacom is a contributing writer for FootballDiehards.com. Send him your "sucker trade" entries at mbeac@hotmail.com.