BY JEFF THITOFF

“I can’t believe the news today. I can’t close my eyes and make it go away.” Bono, from the song “Sunday Bloody Sunday”

“The beat goes on.” Sonny Bono from “The Beat Goes On”

I wanted to include a quote from Steve Bono, but those are impossible to find.

Nonetheless, the theme for this week’s podcast lies somewhere in the middle of Sunday Bloody Sunday and The Beat Goes On. I’m not comparing it to the 1972 ambush that U2 was referencing, but Sunday was a tough day for some key players:

Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia: A couple of weeks ago, I said his concussion was a good thing. I lied. He may not play again this season.

Michael Turner, Atlanta: Dude had nine carries for 111 yards before leaving with a high-ankle sprain. I know low-ankle sprains hurt like hell and I heard high-ankle sprains are worse.

Cedric Benson, Cincinnati: Doesn’t sound too serious, but that didn’t stop a desperate owner in one of my leagues to jump on Bernard Scott. Guys with names like “Bernard Scott” don’t normally do well in the NFL.

Ronnie Brown, Miami: Suffered an ankle injury, and was off to a solid start before being sidelined. What’s up with Auburn running backs always getting hurt? Brown, Cadillac Williams and do you remember Kenny Irons?

Julius Jones, Seattle: I actually read on CBS Sports a report that said Jones’ injury was “not considered life-threatening.” Any time someone has to say that about an injury, I get concerned.

Also, Kyle Orton goes down (and takes Brandon Marshall with him) and now Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games.

If you have any of the above players, it looks like you might lose a starter (except for Jones). You are probably still in the postseason race for your league, or you wouldn’t be checking out The Hangover. Or maybe you are just a fan. Either way, thanks for reading.

My point is this – you need some advice about what to do. I am not going to tell you the “who” – I will leave that to Adam Conn’s Waiver Wire piece. Instead, I am offering a checklist that will outline how to deal:

1. “Don’t believe the hype” – Chuck D

I read a report on ESPN that actually asked “Does Seattle have the next MJD?” in Justin Forsett. That is a bit of hype, I believe. I immediately went out and traded Forsett away for more than he is worth.
Could he be good? Yes. Could he be MJD-good? Highly doubtful. I would still get him on waivers, but I wouldn’t overpay for him in a trade.
I’d rather have a guy who has proven he can do it for more than one week. Give me Betts over Forsett.

2. “Relax” – Frankie Goes to Hollywood

You are in playoff contention for a reason. You drafted well, managed the team well – don’t panic and make some drastic move just because one of your running backs might miss a game or two.

3. “Let me tell you how it will be; There’s one for you, nineteen for me.” – George Harrison

Just as Frankie said to relax, George is encouraging you to find the owner that is in panic mode and take advantage of the situation. If you have Larry Johnson, sell him to the Benson owner in your league. Ship Norwood or Snelling to the Turner owner in your league.
Quite frankly, those guys are “fill-ins” for a reason. None of those backups are going to win a title for you.

4. “Right down through the wire, even through the fire” – Kanye West

See, another person encourages you to read the Waiver Wire.

Questions? Shoot them to jeff@411fantasy.com.