Updated stud list

These players should be starting weekly regardless of match-ups:

Quarterbacks

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

Drew Brees, New Orleans

Carson Palmer, Cincinnati

Tom Brady, New England

Marc Bulger, St. Louis—Another poor game like the last two weeks will remove him from this category

Other notables

Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia—Season-ending injury is devastating to his owners

Michael Vick—Too inconsistent to be considered a stud

Tony Romo—Making a great case for inclusion on this list

Running backs

LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego

Larry Johnson, Kansas City

Tiki Barber, N.Y. Giants

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh

Steven Jackson, St. Louis

Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati—He has over 100 yards and/or a touchdown in all but two games this year and always makes mincemeat of the Cleveland defense

Brian Westbrook—He should continue to produce as he becomes Philadelphia’s main weapon with McNabb out

Other notables

Frank Gore—He can run over poor defenses but is easily stifled by better run defenses and/or when the 49ers fall behind and must throw

Wide receivers

Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis

Chad Johnson, Cincinnati—After some disappointing games earlier in the season, he’s back with a vengeance

Javon Walker, Denver—The best offensive weapon on a defensive-minded team

Steve Smith, Carolina

Darrell Jackson, Seattle—Gets it done regardless of who’s throwing the ball to him

Terrell Owens, Dallas—Thankfully sedate right now and posting strong numbers with Romo under center

Roy Williams, Detroit

Other notables

Andre Johnson, Houston—Four straight poor showings drops him off the list

Torry Holt, St. Louis—Same as Andre Johnson

Marques Colston, New Orleans—Injury status unknown and other Saints receivers are stepping up big

Bernard Berrian, Chicago—Obviously needs more time to recuperate and get back in the groove

Tight Ends

Antonio Gates, San Diego—Owners who drafted him early are likely disappointed with his recent production and he could struggle again this week against Oakland

Alge Crumpler, Atlanta

Todd Heap, Baltimore

Other notables

Tony Gonzalez—When he’s healthy and Trent Green is the quarterback, he’s a stud

Jeremy Shockey, N.Y. Giants—Eli is just not throwing him the ball consistently enough
Kellen Winslow—Best player on a bad team