The most amusing and maddening anecdotal stories during the season always pertain to starting-lineup decisions. Funny how it seems I only hear about owners who guess wrong on their lineups?

Maddening when it affects me: Housh hadn't done much in the past two months in my scoring league, so why not sit him against the Eagles while Mark Bradley had a dream matchup? It cost me a win.

Amusing when it impacts others: Another owner didn't start Maurice Jones-Drew over Ricky Williams -- going against my advice. As a result, he lost and might not make the playoffs.

Lucky for a team in my other league, starting Niners WR Jason Hill over LT didn't cost him a win. While LT hasn't been the LT we know, it is a good lesson for all.

Don't sit your big guns -- unless they are hurt -- down the stretch or it could cost you a playoff spot. While I think Hill could have good games down the stretch, he won't have consistency, and players such as Housh and LT are still capable of winning a week for you.

Another issue that might arise in leagues relates to non-contending teams not monitoring their teams and updating their lineups. League commissioners should have the right to police lineups and fix dead spots in starting lineups from the bench. This is the main reason leagues have commissioners. A commissioner should not make judgment calls on lineups based on perceived better matchups.

NEW ADDITIONS

There are still some new players to consider adding to your teams and starting in desperate times:

• Pierre Thomas, Saints. With Reggie Bush still out and a Deuce McAllister suspension nearing, owners should claim Thomas, who had a big game last week. I wrote about Thomas earlier this year when Bush went down and believe he could be a difference-maker at RB during the fantasy playoffs. Even if Bush comes back, expect another five to six injuries out of him.

• J.J. Arrington, Cardinals. Edgerrin James anyone? Nowhere to be found. Tim Hightower? Still a pretty good rookie with upside. But Arrington, who is on a potent offense, is making his presence felt with two TDs last week. He is certainly worth picking up in PPR leagues only.

• Warrick Dunn, Bucs. With Earnest Graham out, this pickup is obvious. Dunn should be owned and started in most leagues as a RB2.

• Correll Buckhalter, Eagles. I traded Brian Westbrook in Week 5. Something isn't right with him, so expect him to miss a few more games down the stretch. Early reports are indicating this trend as well, making Buckhalter a solid RB2 if Westie is out.

• Antonio Pittman, Rams. Boy, Steven Jackson owners can't be too pleased. Pittman had a fine game last week and now can be counted on again this week as S-Jack was already declared out. That doesn't sound promising for the coming weeks.

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