If Peyton Hillis, seen above, didn’t go down with a torn right hamstring on Sunday, he may have shared top billing with Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary, Travis Henry and Clinton Portis in coach Mike Shanahan’s feature flick, "Mount Rush-MORE." Mike Anderson and hundreds of other Denver running backs could make cameos in "Mount Rush-MORE II," but Hillis rolled four straight weeks with a rushing touchdown for star status.

He was turning into an ideal No. 3 running back in any league’s format.

After four straight productive weeks, the former Arkansas fullback was tied with All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall for the team lead with six touchdowns. The only hopes left for Broncos fans lie with Selvin Young and Tatum Bell. After the Hillis injury, Bell took the lion share of carries.

Bell is worthy of a pickup, but not a start yet. Young, the former University of Texas star, has been battling a groin injury for most of the season and is probable this week.

Under pressure

With dollars and pride on the line in the weeks ahead, advancing can fall to one player or a last-second decision. Monday night’s game between the Buccaneers and Panthers proved the stress and luck involved in fantasy football playoffs comes in different forms.

In one league, I saw it come down to Antonio Bryant vs. Steve Smith. The epic battle had both wide receivers scoring a touchdown and getting more than 100 yards. Bryant with 200 yards and two touchdowns was the winner.

Monday night’s game this week features the Browns and Eagles.

If you relied on Brian Westbrook, Donovan McNabb or DeSean Jackson throughout the year, you get a great matchup on paper. The trifecta should pull through again, but look out for Kevin Curtis and the Eagles defense too. If you have a Browns starter, chances are you’re out of the playoffs already.

Who wouldn’t be intrigued though by Ken Dorsey vs. McNabb for fantasy glory?

Catch them if you can...

DeShaun Foster, 49ers running back: The former Panthers back filled in for the injured Frank Gore against the Jets with 16 carries for 35 yards. He obviously wasn’t great, but that is a lot of carries. If Gore can’t go this week or next, Foster has Miami and St. Louis on tap to redeem himself.

Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants running backs: Brandon Jacobs went down. The severity of the injury is unknown yet. If you’ve been cautious, you’re ready to plug Ward in. If not, hurry.

The fallen...

The Patriots defense: How the mighty have fallen. When Junior Seau has to come out of retirement, you’re in trouble. The only resemblance of hope lies in their matchup vs. Oakland this week. Otherwise, Bon Jovi’s "Livin’ on a Prayer" should be playing when you’re setting your lineup.

Bernard Berrian, Vikings wide receiver: Here’s a quick study if Gus Frerotte is out. Tarvaris Jackson and Phillies pitcher Adam Eaton have the intangibles. Eaton’s career 4.80 ERA and Jackson’s 70.3 career quarterback rating scare fantasy owners, but apparently not the people who employ them.

Four and out

1. Don’t forget to set lineups for Thursday's game between the Saints and Bears. 2. If Matt Hasselback is out, Seneca Wallace is the desperate play of the week vs. the Rams. 3. Joseph Addai vs. the Lions has one last chance to prove the skeptics wrong. 4. Terrible timing award: Clinton Portis blasted his coach and lost left tackle Chris Samuels.

PHOTO BY ASSOCIATED PRESS