Andre Johnson

Grumpy Ravens coach John Harbaugh on Monday had to answer a few questions about the use of Ray Rice in Sunday's 22-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Based on the line of questioning from reporters, I'm guessing at least one of those guys has Rice, who had 27 rushing yards on a season-low five carries, on their fantasy team. Sunday was the fourth time this season that Rice got fewer than 15 carries (uncoincidentally, the Ravens are 1-3 in those games). He got eight carries against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and afterward, Harbaugh vowed to get him more.

There are very few slam-dunk picks in fantasy football. For years, owning LaDainian Tomlinson guaranteed you a spot in the playoffs. Peyton Manning has been an elite fantasy QB for more than a decade. And though he's now in the twilight of his career, Terrell Owens used to be good for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns a season. At the tight end position, the debate in the fantasy world was always Tony Gonzalez v. Antonio Gates. Gonzalez may be the best tight end in NFL history, but his days of Pro Bowl productivity are long gone.

We are into the nitty-gritty of the fantasy playoffs, so let's get down to business with some injury updates, a few waiver-wire pickups if you're desperate, and more. If your squad needs help, shoot me a note. And feel free to leave your fantasy sob stories in the comments section if your team has already been dismissed. Down goes DeMarco Murray: This is a huge blow if you own Murray, who was a waiver-wire All-Star this season and one of the most productive fantasy players over the past two months.

It's semifinals week on “Dancing with the Stars,” and Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff had two dances this week: Argentine Tango and Lindy Hop (chosen by Twitter users). First up was the Argentine Tango. Karina and Jacoby are losing their patience with each other in rehearsal this week. During rehearsal on the ballroom stage for camera blocking, Karina had a flip over Jacoby that ended with her landing on her jaw, and it sounds like she might have had a slight concussion. She goes to the hospital, but we don't follow her there.

Andre Johnson didn't earn five Pro Bowl invites and a reputation as being one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the NFL by being a wallflower. But there's no denying that the Houston Texans is off to the quietest start of his 10-year career. Through six games, the 31-year-old Johnson has caught 25 passes for 358 yards and two touchdowns. The number of receptions and receiving yards are the lowest to open a season in which he has played the first six contests. Houston coach Gary Kubiak conceded that the team has trimmed about 20 snaps per game from Johnson's usual rotation in an effort to keep him healthy for the entire season, but Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees said he's not buying that as the sole reason for Johnson's reduced production.

The Ravens 2011 season is only four games old, so it's hard to forget the week leading up to Game No. 2 against theTennessee Titans. Only the week before, the Ravens had trounced the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener in a game that was felt around the NFL. Seven days later, the Ravens were upset, 26-13 in Tennessee in a game where they gained only 229 yards of offense and surrendered 432. "You take a team like Houston lightly, and...

In an instant, Ravens return specialist Jacoby Jones lost his grip on the football and his job security. During the AFC divisional playoff game between the Houston Texans and the Ravens in January, things went awry for Jones in what became his final game with the Texans. Jones became a relative pariah in Houston after he muffed a first-quarter punt that led to a Ravens touchdown. He later fumbled another punt in that game, which ended in a Texans loss. Fans took their frustrations with Jones to message boards and Twitter, demanding the Texans get rid of him. They got their wish in May, when the Texans cut Jones after trade rumors surrounded him during the NFL draft.

On December 27, 2008, MICHAEL ANDRE JOHNSON; beloved husband of Theresa Johnson. On Friday, friends may call at VAUGHN C. GREENE FUNERAL SERVICES (RANDALLSTOWN) 8728 Liberty Road from 4 to 8 P.M. On Saturday, the family will receive friends at the Vaughn C. Greene Chapel-Randallstown from 12:30 to 1 P.M with services to follow. Inquiries to (410) 655-0015.

Jaguars (4-7) @Texans (4-7) TIME, TV: : 8:30, ESPN LINE: : Texans by 3 FANTASY FACTOR: : Jacksonville QB David Garrard has completed 68.2 percent of his passes with three TDs and no interceptions in his past two games against Houston. .... Texans WR Andre Johnson has four 100-yard receiving games (131.8-yard average) at home this season. THE BUZZ: : The Texans are hosting their first Monday Night Football game in franchise history and the first in Houston since 1994. There's nothing to party about, though.

On June 29, 2005, JOHN T. JOHNSON; loving husband the late Lula Johnson; father of Michael, Aaron, Ricky, Jacqueline, Carolyn and the late Andre' Johnson. Friends may call at the family owned and operated Howell Funeral Home, 4600 Liberty Heights Ave. on Wednesday, July 6 from 2 to 7 P.M. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 7 at Howell Funeral Home Chapel, 4602 Liberty Heights Ave. Wake, 10:30. Funeral Services at 11 A.M. Interment Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery.