BEFORE training camp, draftniks were loud and clear. Tom Brady and the Patriots play the easiest schedule ever. How has it worked out?

After seven weeks, the verdict was still out.No Brady. So-so Randy Moss. Where did Wes Welker go? Laurence Maroney vanished to the IR.

After eight weeks, the verdict is close.

The defense is still ancient, but safety Rodney Harrison's season-ending injury is a devastating blow.

Once again, though, Monday Night Football's magic brought out a team's best.

The Pats rolled in a 41-7 win vs. the Broncos.

If you had the gusto to start running back Sammy Morris, you may be a true fantasy wizard. If not, get old Sammy while you can. Even though, he is currently listed "day to day" by his coach Bill Belichick.

In all the hoopla, there is one gem.

Morris' current backup, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, has the most intriguing fantasy name since ex-Steelers running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala.With cbssportsline.com posting random fantasy trades, Green-Ellis was actually packaged on Tuesday with T.J. Houshmandzadeh, LaDainian Tomlinson and the Titans defense for Plaxico Burress, Maurice Jones-Drew and the modestly named Josh Morgan.

The deal, which included Titans defensive end Kyle Vander Bosch by default, make break the record for wordiest names and most hyphens traded for this year.

If you still believe in cakewalks and that the Patriots have the easiest schedule ever, dust off Matt Cassel and pencil Green-Ellis into your last roster spot.

Easy on the Cassel-back though. One week ago, Belichick probably wished he had Vinny Testaverde for a hot minute. But, hey, the Patriots play the rejuvenated, but their-still-the-Rams this week.

And the award goes to...

* Colts running back Joseph Addai for "The First-Round Bust With The Most Potential." Addai hasn't done much except hurt his hammy, but Steven Jackson injured his groin last year and bounced back with an admirable stretch run. Mr. Addai can do the same when the Colts and fantasy owners need him most.

* Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer for "The I Can't Believe I Cut Him, Wasn't He Just a Pro-Bowler?" Runners-up include: Marc Bulger and Derek Anderson. Let's face it, Palmer's shoulder injury isn't getting better and either are the hapless Bungles.

* Browns quarterback Brady Quinn for "Put Me In Coach, I'm Ready to Play!" Quinn is a tremendous security blanket for the Browns and any fantasy owner in desperate need of a potential quarterback in their playoffs.

Catch them if you can...

* Antwaan Randle El, Redskins vs. Detroit: The wide receiver is the fourth option in the offense, behind Clinton Portis, Santana Moss and Chris Cooley, but everyone plays well against the Lions. Did you see Matt Schaub threw only five incompletions last week?

* Whoever the Chiefs are playing: Self-explanatory, but last week this space used Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles as a potential down-the-line starter. Coach Herm Edwards must not agree, yet. He gave running back Kolby Smith the keys to one of the worst offenses in the league with Larry Johnson out. If you didn't catch the game, the "Chefs" rolled with three different quarterbacks in an absolute dismal performance on both sides.

The fallen

* Darren McFadden, Oakland: The rookie running back had one bust-out game with more than 160 rushing yards, but his new coach Tom Cable doesn't have a Kiffin' idea how to use him. The "Wildcat" is the most overrated offensive formation since Dennis Miller's hair and beard combo.

* Reggie Bush, New Orleans: Just when it seemed the Texans made a mistake by not drafting him, he is out. The most intriguing image of Sunday wasn't Tony Romo on the sidelines, but Bush's former Southern California backup LenDale White chugging for an 80-yard touchdown run. So who takes Bush's place in The Big Easy: Deuce, Stecker or Pierre?

Four and out

1. There is no Sunday night game because of the World Series. 2. Chicago, Denver, Green Bay and Minnesota have byes. 3. Trent Edwards is a good bye-week replacement. 4. Carolina's defense figured out the Saints in Week 7, but it's unlikely they shut down the Cardinals on Sunday.