Week 3 pickups

The New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, New England Patriotsand and  Indianapolis Colts all have a bye week in Week 4.

Quarterbacks-

Brian Griese (Bucs)-Threw for 407 yards against his former team in an overtime victory. With the running game struggling Griese threw the ball 67 times. Has an attractive matchup against the Broncos in Week 5. Later in the season has games against the Saints, Falcons and Lions who each have weak pass defenses. Also has another weapon to throw to with tight end Jerramy Stevens back from a two-game suspension.

Gus Frerotte (Vikings) - Finished 16/28 for 204 yards and a TD replacing Tarvaris Jackson as the starter. His interception was due to receiver Bernard Berrian bobbling the ball. With a strong offensive line and running game could be a serviceable starter in a 2 quarterback league. Also the stout Vikings defense will alow Frerotte more time of possession.

Brady Quinn (Browns)- Starter Derek Anderson has been bad and has a “quick hook” against the Bengals this week. The Browns have a bye in Week 5 which gives Quinn more time to prepare to start.

Running Backs- 

Steve Slaton (Texans) - The rookie had 18 carries for 116 yards coming out to a 6.4 ypc. He also recorded his first TD and caught four balls out of the backfield. His big-play ability was unveiled with runs of 25 and 50 yards against a strong Titans run defense.

Le’Ron McClain (Ravens) - The 260 pound back had two touchdowns on 17 carries last week. He finished the game with 66 yards and looks to be getting goal line carries while splitting time with Willis McGahee. Through two games the third-year player has 36 carries for 152 yards. The Ravens have favorable games coming up against the Colts, Dolphins, Raiders, Browns, Texans and Bengals.

Correll Buckhalter (Eagles) - Brian Westbrook left the Steeler game early in the second quarter due to an ankle injury. Yesterday it was reported he was limping around without his crutches. Buckhalter totaled 87 yards against a tough Steeler defense and scored the lone TD of the game. In his career, he has filled in nicely as a spot starter when Westbrook could not make the start.

Rudi Johnson (Lions)- Had 14 carries for 83 yards, while rookie Kevin Smith had only 3 carries for 14 yards. The formal Bengal will be the featured back but, after the bye week the Lions have a tough schedule.

Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers)- Willie Parker has already been ruled out for the MNF game in Week 4 due to a knee injury.  Mewelde Moore’s role will also increase.

Wide Receivers-

Brandon Lloyd (Bears) - For the second consecutive week he was the most targeted Bears receiver. Caught six balls for 124 yards and a TD against the Bucs. Posted five catches for 66 yards the week before.

Justin McCareins ( Titans) - The former Jet finished the game with 90 yards filling in nicely for an injured Justin Gage.

Robert Meachem and Lance Moore (Saints) - Meachem only had two catches but finished with 86 yards. The second year receiver could be making his first NFL start if David Patten misses week 4 with a groin injury. Patten only had two catches for 12 yards last week. Moore finished with seven catches for 78 yards. His stock also rises if Patten misses the game against the 49ers. Tight end Jeremy Shockey is having sports hernia surgery and could be out up to six weeks.

Miles Austin (Cowboys) - The third string receiver totaled 115 yards and a TD. A healthy Austin had catches of 63 and 52 yards. He is coming off an ACL tear which was featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks”. Should be able to continue to stretch the field with defenses double teaming Terrell Owens. Patrick Crayton has struggled so far catching only eight balls for 105 yards. Austin should surpass that kind of production in the explosive offense.

Antonio Bryant (Bucs) - Led the NFL with 18 targets in Week 3. With veteran WR Joey Galloway missed the game vs. the Bears with a sore foot, and Bryant stepped up with 10 catches for 138 yards in his absence. If Galloway misses Week 4 Bryant could have another productive week.

Greg Camarillo (Dolphins) - Caught four passes for 60 yards in an upset win against the Pats. In the past two weeks has eight balls for 109 yards. He leads the team in receiving, and like tight end Anthony Fasano, is one of Chad Pennington’s go to targets.

Tight End-

Kevin Boss (Giants) - It took him three weeks but Boss caught his first pass and a TD. He finished with three receptions for 51 yards. Could be a useful red zone target and has favorable games after the bye week against Seattle, Cleveland and San Francisco.

Bo Scaife (Titans) - Finished with three catches for 26 yards and a TD. In the season opener had six catches for 105 yards. He is splitting time with Alge Crumpler but the former Longhorn has much more upside in the offense.

Jerramy Stevens (Bucs)- Back from serving a two-game suspension and made an immediate impact. Caught five passes for 61 yards and a TD. The 6′7 tight end could emerge into a popular target in the conservative Bucs offense.

Kickers-

Matt Prater (Broncos) - The rookie finished with 10 points and has not missed a field goal this season. In Week 1 he totaled 11 points and has a favorable game against the Chiefs this week.

Josh Scobee (Jags) - Has totaled 21 points the last two weeks while converting all six of his field goal attempts. Made a 50 yarder in Week 2 and a 51 yarder last week to beat the Colts. He is 4th in the NFL with eight field goal attempts.

Defense-

Atlanta Falcons- Yes, they played the Chiefs, but they still recorded 3 INTs. John Abraham picked up 2 more sacks (Leads the NFL with 6),  Erik Coleman finished with 10 tackles an INT and a FF. Cornerback Chris Houston scored a defensive TD.