This week's fantasy focus is a no-huddle notebook look at the top and worst players at the midway point of the NFL season.

Here we go:

QUARTERBACK

Most Valuable Player -- Turn back the clock because Brett Favre has found the fountain of youth in Minnesota with 16 touchdowns and only three picks for the 7-1 Vikings. Favre has fewer passing yards (1,925) than a few other star QBs, but also has fewer turnovers.

Least Valuable Player -- At one point last season, I took an optimistic view on the Raiders' JaMarcus Russell, but he stinks. He stinks a lot. Russell has two TDs and nine interceptions while completing 48.4 percent (88-for-182) of his passes for 1,000 yards.

RUNNING BACK

MVP -- A tough call in the backfield, but have to give the Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew the edge over the Titans' Chris Johnson. MoJo leads the NFL with 11 rushing touchdowns and has 737 yards on the ground.

LVP -- It would be easy to go with Larry Johnson, but I think the Steelers' Willie Parker has been an even bigger bust this season. Parker has been banged up, lacks production (187 yards on 60 carries and no TDs) and lost his job to second-year RB Rashard Mendenhall.

WIDE RECEIVER

MVP -- The Giants' Steve Smith and the Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald have turned in solid numbers, but this pick goes to the Colts' Reggie Wayne. The former Miami U. star has scored in six of eight games and has caught 59 passes for 753 yards.

LVP -- The Bills

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took a gamble with Terrell Owens, but so far the move has not paid off for fantasy owners. TO has been invisible in games, dropped passes and scored only twice (once on a reverse) in eight contests. He also has just 23 receptions for 281 yards.

TIGHT END

MVP -- It's hard not to take Dallas Clark here, but the 49ers' Vernon Davis has finally arrived in the NFL after a few years of growing pains. Davis is tied for the receiving lead in touchdowns (seven) and has 42 receptions for 477 yards.

LVP -- The Dolphins' Anthony Fasano was Mr. Touchdown last year with seven, but has only found the end zone once in eight games this season to go with 14 catches for 113 yards.

KICKER

MVP -- Nobody has been dominant this season, but the Vikings' Ryan Longwell has made all 29 PATs and gone 13-for-14 on field goals.

LVP -- The Rams' kicker used to be one of the first off the draft board, but Josh Brown hardly gets any work -- 7-of-10 on field goals and just eight PATs.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

MVP -- The Eagles have ranked among the best in the league in sacks (27), points allowed (19.1 ppg), interceptions (15) and have scored three touchdowns.

LVP -- The Tennessee Titans have fallen to the bottom of the defensive ranks, allowing a league-high 29.8 points per game. The Bears could also earn the dishonor.

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SIDELINE CHATTER -- With Clinton Portis (concussion) out for the Redskins this weekend, Ladell Betts is worth a start. Betts could be a double threat with his ability to catch the ball (16 receptions for 173) and run it (26 carries for 91 yards, 1TD). "¦ Not that it matters who starts in Cleveland, but it appears Brady Quinn could be back at QB this week. He's not worth picking up with one TD and three interceptions in four games. "¦ Speaking of Larry Johnson, don't be so quick to cut him. LJ could have some value down the stretch if he joins the right team.

Contact William S. Paxton at wpaxton@ctpost.com