The same debate can carry over to the fantasy ranks, where finding an MVP with about six games to go is no easy task.

For the second straight year, there has not been a clear-cut, dominant running back in the mix, and we don't have any quarterback turning in a Tom Brady-type season.

There are several backs who have been solid. Among them are the Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson (225 carries for 1,100 yards, seven touchdowns), the Washington Redskins' Clinton Portis (215-1,063, seven TDs), the Atlanta Falcons' Michael Turner (227-971, nine TDs) and the New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (164-879, 11 TDs).

But all of them need to pick it up a notch to be in the thick of the fantasy MVP race in the final six weeks.

In addition to the running backs, a handful of quarterbacks have made strong cases for MVP honors. At the top of the list, and my choice for the award at this point in the season, is Arizona Cardinals' signal-caller Kurt Warner. The former Giant has reinvigorated his career in the desert with a league-leading 70.9 completion percentage while throwing for 3,155 yards (second in NFL), 20 touchdowns (second) and just seven interceptions.

The New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees is not far behind with an NFL-leading 3,251 passing yards with 18 TDs and 11 interceptions. Also having good years: the Denver Broncos' Jay Cutler (2,832 yards, 19 TDs, 11 INTs), the San Diego Chargers' Philip Rivers (2,518, 21 TDs, 10 INTs) and the Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning (2,568, 17 TDs, nine INTs).

One dark horse to watch down the stretch is the Jets' Brett Favre, who has thrown for 2,237 yards and 18 touchdowns, but also has a league-high 13 interceptions.

Lions IN WAITING -- The Detroit Lions might be the worst team in Football, but a few of their young players have turned into valuable fantasy options.

Everyone already has second-year receiver Calvin Johnson (45 catches for 839 yards, seven TDs) on their radar, but rookie running back Kevin Smith (117 carries for 513 yards, five TDs) is on the rise.

Smith last week had 112 yards on 24 carries. He has 208 yards and one touchdown on 47 carries over the past two games.

On the flip side, quarterback Daunte Culpepper has struggled in two games since his return to the NFL with 311 yards on 25-of-45 passing with one TD and three interceptions.

INSERT RUNNING BACK HERE -- The Broncos are once again turning nobody running backs into fantasy stars with a rash of injuries at the tailback position.

The latest player to emerge from the mix is Peyton Hillis, who shifted over from fullback and rushed for 44 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons. Hillis should continue to get short-yardage carries and rack up some touchdowns, but don't be surprised to see more from the recently signed tandem of Tatum Bell and P.J. Pope.

Plus, lurking in the background is Selvin Young (groin), who remains week-to-week.

SIDELINE CHATTER -- The Bills' Marshawn Lynch finally cracked the 100-yard rushing mark this season with 119 yards on 23 carries against the Browns. On the season, Lynch has 631 yards and six touchdowns on 169 carries, but those numbers could be on the rise with Buffalo suddenly gun-shy in the passing game with shaky Trent Edwards at the helm. ... Players on the rise: Jets TE Dustin Kellar (14 catches for 194 yards and 1 TD in last two games), Falcons WR Michael Jenkins (13-191, 2 TDs in last three games). .... Players on the decline: Titans RB LenDale White (66 yards in last two games), 49ers WR Isaac Bruce (2-32 last two games).

Contact William S. Paxton at wpaxton@ctpost.com

Start 'em

QB Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers -- 20-4 vs. AFC North and coming off 300-yard game.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers -- Time to shine with Indy in town.

RB Ryan Grant, Packers -- Seems to have emerged from early season slump.

WR Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs -- Has found new life with Thigpen at QB.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. Dolphins -- Emerging as a playmaker in Miami.

TE Jerramy Stevens, Bucs -- Suddenly has learned how to catch the ball.

K Mason Crosby, Packers -- A consistent option this season

D Bears -- Time to get well with a trip to St. Louis.

Sit 'em

QB Trent Edwards, Bills -- Scared quarterbacks are never a good option.

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots -- Morris' return should reduce him to backup role.

RB Darren McFadden, Raiders -- A lost season for the rookie in Oakland.

WR Joey Galloway, Bucs -- Garcia looking elsewhere when he drops back to pass.

WR Lee Evans, Bills -- Shaky QB leaves Evans out in the cold.

TE Jeremy Shockey, Saints -- Seems to have worn out his welcome on new team, too.

K Shane Graham, Bengals -- Pittsburgh not kind to visiting kickers.

D Chargers -- Might be one of the most disappointing units in NFL this year.

-- WILLIAM S. PAXTON