You think you're into football fantasies?

I spent last Thursday afternoon at Texas Stadium, watching my brother-in-law get married on the Cowboys star at midfield. And the crazy thing was, I'm pretty sure his bride was more excited about the setting than he was. After all, while she was getting ready in the Cowboys' locker room, he paced nervously for nearly 100 yards, including one end-zone face plant.

When I brought my daughter (the most beautiful flower girl in history) to her, I lingered a few minutes in the surprisingly small and spartan, but nevertheless cool, room. Among other things, I noticed the pre-game checklist on the defense's white board included this odd item: "Say hi to Jessica Simpson."

But wasn't she supposed to be bad luck?

Apparently not for the defense. For his part, Romo clearly wasn't back to peak fantasy conditioning against the Redskins, though his return did serve to release the shackles on Marion Barber.

But take it from this "locker room insider": Romo, Jason Witten and Terrell Owens will reclaim their elite status next Sunday against the 49ers. With another week to mend his gimpy pinkie, a much softer defense across the line, and a partisan crowd welcoming their hero back home, Romo and the Cowboys offense will once again be firing on all cylinders. They may even get a boost from Felix Jones' return.

And speaking of Barber's talented backup, it's worth asking one more time: Do you have insurance for your star running back(s)? It's a rhetorical question, because I know that more than half of Adrian Peterson's owners aren't carrying Chester Taylor on their roster (according to one leading fantasy site). The same goes for Dominic Rhodes, Darren Sproles, Correll Buckhalter and several other worthy "handcuffs."

And yet most of these same owners are needlessly carrying backup kickers, defenses and tight ends, leaving their teams exposed to the single most devastating event that could doom their title hopes. Is it really that difficult to imagine Peterson, Joseph Addai, LaDainian Tomlinson or Brian Westbrook succumbing to injury over the next few weeks?

Wake up, my friend! Rid your roster of dead weight to make room for players who can salvage your championship run in case of emergency.

After all, it's no fun being a bridesmaid in Fantasyland.

FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, you need to start with a good draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents is also important. Here's a look at three players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else's line-up.

Catch 'em while you can

Tatum Bell, RB, Broncos -- He may have been hawking cell phones a week ago, but he averaged nearly five yards per carry Sunday against the Falcons. Though Peyton Hillis was solid in his first start, amassing 70 combined yards and two touchdowns, Bell is likely to carry a heavier load in the weeks ahead. There are never any guarantees when it comes to the Denver backfield, but Bell could be worth a flier for those seeking help at the running back position.

Cadillac Williams, RB, Buccaneers -- Here's another late-season sleeper to consider. Now that Earnest Graham has added an ankle injury to his bum knee, the Bucs need the former Rookie of the Year's help. Warrick Dunn can't do it on his own, and Williams -- 14 months removed from knee surgery -- conveniently appears ready to return to action, as evidenced by the team's release of Michael Bennett. He'll be a risky start in his first game back, but if he looks good against Detroit (not exactly the highest of hurdles), you'll be glad you grabbed him early.

Deion Branch, WR, Seahawks -- He only caught four passes in his first full game of the season, but he was Matt Hasselbeck's primary target and his team's leading receiver. As long as Hasselbeck remains under center, Branch has a chance to put up decent numbers in the weeks ahead. Seattle is a lousy team, and they'll be playing catch-up in most of their remaining games. Remember, garbage-time stats count, too!

Don't be fooled

Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks -- The only thing worse than being the starting tailback on a poor rushing team is being the starter on a poor rushing committee. With T.J. Duckett poaching the short scoring runs, and Maurice Morris more involved on passing downs, Jones has few opportunities to produce. Hit the eject button.

Edgerrin James, RB, Cardinals -- Over the last three games, James has had a total of three carries. With the emergence of Tim Hightower, and the supporting role played by J.J. Arrington, James is the forgotten man in Arizona. Bid him farewell, and give his roster spot to someone with upside.

Torry Holt, WR, Rams -- Holt is still owned in more than 85 percent of fantasy leagues. For the life of me, I can't understand why. I finally dropped him from one of my teams two weeks ago, and haven't missed him in the least. Of course, he was quickly snapped up by one of my competitors, who has surely enjoyed the six receptions for 65 yards he's amassed over the last two games. Again, it's time to call a bust a bust. Even, gulp, Ted Ginn is a better option.