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PLAY ACTION

Only die-hard fantasy owners play in leagues that bother with offensive linemen. But that doesn't mean owners in standard leagues are free to ignore what's happening with the big dudes up front.

After six weeks, Houston and Minnesota were among the top three in sacks allowed despite both teams' having played only five games. It's no coincidence both offenses have performed well below owners' expectations. Look at a list of the biggest fantasy disappointments this season and you're sure to find poor line play as a root cause.

Daunte Culpepper, QB, Vikings. His injured knee, suffered during a Week 1 beating from Tampa Bay, has limited his mobility and effectiveness. He misses center Matt Birk nearly as much as he misses Randy Moss and coordinator Scott Linehan. As a result, Culpepper has been a miss for fantasy owners expecting an elite quarterback.

Ahman Green, RB, Packers. Green has not scored a touchdown or topped 100 total yards in a game. Do you think the loss of both of Green Bay's starting guards has had any effect? The knee and quadriceps injuries Green suffered in Week 4 will make it tough for him to make up for his slow start.

Curtis Martin, RB, Jets. Martin fits in perfectly with this group; he's dealing with a knee injury and line troubles. The Jets' blocking hasn't been as good as it was in 2004, and Martin is looking his age (32) now that he has to create something out of nothing.

Andre Johnson, WR, Texans. Johnson has no complementary receiver to draw any attention away from him, and David Carr hasn't had time to get set, much less throw downfield. Johnson's calf injury was hindering him even before he left his Week 5 game because of it.