Fantasy Football 101: Week 7 Pickups and Other Quick Hits

With six weeks in the books, the major waiver claims have generally been made, but after a rare trade flurry the past two weeks, non-injury midseason pickups are prevalent this week.  Here is a look at the top pickup options at each position.  

One thing to consider as you look to update your roster this week: Know your team's situation and playoff prognosis.   It sounds like common sense, but teams that are 5-1 and 6-0 make different moves than 1-5 or 2-4 teams.  With the fantasy regular season nearing its mid-point, time is running short for team's falling out of the playoff picture, and they need to be more aggressive with their roster movement in an effort to jumpstart the roster.  Team's whose playoff prognosis is rosy, need to make roster moves with the playoffs in mind.  Make moves accordingly.

Note: To qualify as a pickup, a player must be owned in less than 40 percent of Yahoo leagues as of this writing (10/17). 

Quarterback:

Matthew Stafford, Detroit (owned: 28%) - The Lions are on a bye next week, but Stafford is slated to make his return immediately after.  Watching the fantasy numbers Shaun Hill has put up makes you wonder what the former No.1 overall pick will be able to do.  This is an example of a nice bye week buy low opportunity.

Colt McCoy, Cleveland - (owned: 3%) - McCoy exceeded all expectations in his debut against the vaunted Steelers defense.  Despite losing his top two playmakers, (Cribbs and Massaquoi) McCoy managed to complete two-thirds of his passes for 281 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.   Not an option except in two QB, 14+ or dynasty leagues, but after a rough preseason, he showed the promise many expected for the team's quarterback of the future.  With a 1-5 record, the future may come sooner than the team originally intended.

Running Back:

Danny Woodhead, New England (owned: 16%) - His role has increased each of the past three weeks with this week's effort including five catches for 52 yards.  Not likely to surpass Ben Jarvis and Green Ellis, but Woodhead is the type of scrappy player Bill Belichick loves to have on the field.  Eligible at WR and RB in some leagues.

Christopher Ivory, New Orleans (owned: 9%) - Pierre Thomas owners who had the Ivory as a handcuff were finally rewarded with 15 carry 158 yard effort.  As long as Thomas remains out he will get the bulk of the carries just don't expect consistent production. 

James Starks, Green Bay (owned: 1%) - After watching John Kuhn and Brandon Jackson combine for 62 yards this week, keep an eye on Starks, a 2010 sixth-round pick who is eligible to come off the PUP list.   A rusher/receiver who could provide a spark for the Packer backfield if given an opportunity.

Wide Receiver:

Mike Williams, Seattle (owned: 7%) - Finally healthy again, Williams rekindled the promise he showed at the beginning of the season with a 10 catch, 123 yard effort. His 15 targets were 11 more than any other Seahawk. He is clearly Seattle's No. 1 wideout when healthy.

Deion Branch, New England (owned: 29% ) - Re-joined the Pats just this week, yet led the team in receptions, yards and targets.  The Patriots are a spread it around offense aside from Welker, but Branch is clearly a key option in the Pats pass first offense.

Devin Thomas, Carolina (owned: 5%) - Someone has to catch passes for the Panthers with Steve Smith out, and Thomas is clearly the team's most talented option.  You won't know how well he fits with his new team until next week, but if he breaks out, you will have to compete for his services.  Buy now while the price is low if you have room.

Danario Alexander, St. Louis (owned: 0%) - With Mark Clayton out for the season, the Rams passing attack was under the fantasy microscope this week as Mardy Gilyard, Brandon Gibson and Laurent Robinson battled for Clayton's role.  Yet recently signed Alexander stole the show with a four catch, 72-yard one touchdown effort.  On the negative side, his five targets were no more than Gibson's.

Tight End:

Ben Watson, New England (owned: 12%) - Picking up any Browns receiver is a scary thought but has caught four or more passes in five straight games while gaining 60 or more yards or a touchdown in four of those games.

Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit (owned: 34%) - Like Watson, Pettigrew is hardly a sexy pickup but the Lions pile up yards in the passing game, and Pettigrew is the team's top possession target.  Has six or more receptions or a touchdown in five straight games.  He is on a bye next week however.

Defense:

St. Louis (owned: 11%) - After putting up a dud last week on the road at Detroit, the Rams defense rebounded with a stellar effort against Philip Rivers and the Chargers vaunted offense.  An attacking defense with a favorable schedule.  Plays better at home than on the road.

Arizona (owned: 14%) - Statistically, the Cardinals defense has been rather ordinary aside from a stellar effort vs. New Orleans, but like St. Louis, the schedule is favorable and the unit's best days are likely in front of them.  This is a hunch pick.

Other thoughts:

- Marshawn Lynch played a major role but was below average statistically.  While he will likely improve as he gets familiar with the playbook, you have to wonder if the offensive line limits any Seahawk runner.

- Despite listing Deion Branch as a pickup, I have a hunch that aside from Wes Welker (and to a lesser extent Aaron Hernandez), the Patriots passing game is going to resemble New Orleans with a spread it around approach.

- Johnny Knox bounced back in a big way with 5-120 on 11 targets.  Excellent buy low opportunity.

- So much for the James Jones buzz.  Going catch less is never a good sign.

- Patrick Crayton's six catch, 117 yard effort adds further credence that Chargers receivers are products of the system.

- Drew Brees owners breathed a huge sigh of relief this week.  Ditto for Schaub owners.

- Don't expect DeSean Jackson to be back anytime soon.  Early word on the concussion is not good.   Jeremy Maclin's value jumps as a result.  Jason Avant has value in deeper leagues as well.

- Don't Get Too Excited About Matt Cassell - Threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns in arguably his best all-around performance of the season (second best fantasy wise), but it came against the terrible Texan defense and this was just the first time he exceeded 60 percent completions all-season.  Ditto for Dwayne Bowe.

- Knowshon Moreno's 48 yards seem like a Herculean accomplishment compared to Maroney and Buckhalter the past few weeks.

Chris Maier is Senior Editor for nfldraft101.com.  He can be reached at [e-mail].  Follow me on twitter: nfldraft101.

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