Week 9: Pickups of the Week
QB Blaine Gabbert, ---
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Gabbert broke the 300-yard plateau for the first time as a pro last weekend and is quietly putting together a solid sophomore campaign. At his current pace, he would easily surpass his rookie totals in yardage and touchdowns, while cutting his interceptions by half. Even so, he remains more of a spot play. If you need QB help over the coming two weeks in particular, Gabbert will have chances to shine. The Jaguars' next play host to the Lions and Colts -- two teams that have combined to allow 23 passing touchdowns against only five interceptions. The road gets a little rougher after that with the Houston Texans on tap.
QB Russell Wilson, PIT
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After being bottled up by San Francisco in Week 7 (a fate shared by most 49ers opponents this season), Wilson had a much better time throwing the ball in Week 8. Against the Lions he set new personal high water marks in completions (25) and attempts (35). He also reached ten passing touchdowns on the season and looks to be developing nicely after wild speculation in some quarters that he might be replaced in favor of Matt Flynn, a taller and more conventional option at quarterback. Coach Pete Carroll has expressed his confidence in the rookie and fantasy owners should be guardedly optimistic of Wilson's progress as well. He makes a reasonable fill-in choice this week as he takes on a Vikings secondary that was picked apart last Thursday by Josh Freeman.
RB Ronnie Hillman, ---
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It's a shame that Hillman's breakout game came on the same day Willis McGahee posted his season-high in rushing. A shame, but not a coincidence; the Saints defense is in shambles. Nevertheless, Hillman used this opportunity to showcase a decent burst through the line and exceptional edge quickness. The diminutive rookie has seen his field time grow considerably over the past few weeks and his Sunday night performance should earn him a larger role going forward. He's still a backup, but if McGahee gets injured it will be a feverish race to the waiver wire to claim Hillman's services. We advise you claim him now while you still can.
RB Daniel Thomas, ---
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Thomas suffered two concussions in the first five weeks of the season, but was coming off two weeks of rest. He returned to action on Sunday against the Jets and looked healthy, resuming his customary goal line and short yardage duties. In the blowout he actually earned one more carry than Reggie Bush. Despite his electric playmaking ability, Bush isn't thought to be suited for a heavy role week in and week out. Thomas, on the other hand, is a grinder who will have plenty of chances to reward fantasy owners with short touchdown runs like the one he scored in New York. A flex option in standard leagues, Thomas could also be rostered as insurance against a possible injury to Bush, who hasn't survived a full season at the NFL level since his rookie year back in 2006.
WR Danny Amendola, ---
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Due to return in Week 10. Now may be the last chance to add him to your squad before some other opportunistic manager does it. Amendola was on pace for better than a 100-catch, 1,200-yard campaign before he broke his collar bone.
