I first started playing fantasy football in 2004. I missed the playoffs but have since won the gold and bronze in 2005, and silver the past two years. And I would say that the biggest reason why I have been so dominant is to make key pickups. Every year, players get hurt and new players becomes stars. Knowing who to pick up and when to use 'em will certainly help you win this week.
QB
Brett Favre (NYJ) - playing against Cincy. I know Cincy will win at least one game but I don't think it'll be this week. Favre won't score another 6 tds but he should throw at least two.
RB
LeRon McClain (BAL) - playing against the Indy defense which has a rather porous run defense. McClain is also getting the goal line carries and scored last week even against a tough Tennessee D. A good bet to score again.
Tim Hightower (ARI) - Another goal line vulture. Should be able to have a very good game as the Dallas D is suspect and scored twice last week. Has a bye week 7 but then faces some rather bad teams (or teams that give up the run): Carolina, Rams, 49ers, and Seattle. Pick him up now or someone else will.
Correll Buckhalter (PHI) - Westbrook, after sitting out from the Bears game, came back last week only to crack some ribs. Buckhalter is a decent option in his stead but I would only pick him up to be a handcuff for Westbrook owners.
WR
Isaac Bruce (SF) - Scored twice last week and for the past two weeks, the Eagles D has been a sore spot. Supposedly great against the run, Portis ran all over them. They'll have their hands full with Gore so look to Bruce to get some decent catches.
Steve Breaston (ARI) - if you need to plug in a WR spot because on of your studs has a bye, Breaston will help you out. Not sure when Boldin is coming back but it isn't this week and Breaston will definitely get looked at and often.
TE
Ben Watson (NE) - San Diego can not defend the pass nor the TE position. Watson should definitely be in your lineup if you need a bye TE.
Defense
I picked up the Washington D for this week (as Tennessee has a bye this week). Why? Because they face the pathetic Rams who score the least amount of points in the league. Washington should be able to cause several turnovers as well.
Players to Avoid:
Donovan McNabb (PHI) - he just isn't throwing the ball well and isn't scoring any (hardly any) touchdowns since week 2.
There are a slew of WRs that are under-achieving this year: Chad (Ocho Cinco) Johnson, Braylon Edwards, and except for last week, Randy Moss. Toush has stepped it up the past two weeks but before that, he was looking like a dud too. I would recommend keeping them on your rosters (except for Johnson, him I would try to trade). It's hard to stick with a star player that is under-preforming because you gotta believe that they will start to turn it around. And, usually, they will. Just hopefully not when they are on your bench.
Keywords: Fantasy Football
