Week 4: Pickups of the Week

QB Brady Quinn, ---

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Quinn is a bit of a gamble at this point, but you can bet that Browns fans in fantasy leagues have already scooped him up. The writing seems to be on the wall for the under-performing Anderson who's done nothing whatsoever to justify the $8 Million or so the Browns are paying him this year. He's been inaccurate and hasn't looked anything like the QB who set the league on fire through the first few weeks of 2007. There are enough weapons in the Browns' receiving corps to give the right quarterback a chance to succeed. Quinn might be the right guy and he could be given his shot as early as this week.

RB Correll Buckhalter, ---

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Which 7th year NFL veteran and consensus top ten fantasy pick has never played a full 16-game season in his career? That's right: Brian Westbrook is equal parts amazing and injury-prone and a Buckhalter handcuff is a must for smart owners. Westbrook's ankle injury might not be as grim as it seemed on Sunday, but there's still no guarantee he'll be ready to go next week and owners have to be concerned about an injury like this with its tendency to linger. When called upon last week, Buckhalter stepped right into the offense without missing a beat. He's solid as a receiver and a decent inside/outside runner who knows this offense like the back of his hand and can be a big fantasy producer when given the chance.

RB Le'Ron McClain, ---

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It's hard to imagine a 260lb running back being overlooked, but few of us north of the Mason-Dixon line had heard of this former Alabama product until this season. Willis McGahee - the presumed starter - has been one big question mark so far, which has created opportunities for McClain and Ray Rice to work themselves into the mix. Rice is the big name, high draft pick with the most long-term value, but McClain might be the best back to target in the short term. He's a massive, bruising runner who should continue to hoard the goal-line carries for a team that isn't likely to trust its aerial attack in the redzone very often.

RB Steve Slaton, ---

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You should have listened to me in week 1. Slaton looks every bit the part of the feature back in Houston. Ahman Green is a reliable veteran back, but he has none of the homerun potential that Slaton brings to the table. Slaton has shown he can carry the load, surprising people with his effective running between the tackles. If managers in your league are still asleep, tip-toe your way to the waiver wire and grab Slaton while there's still time.

RB Ricky Williams, ---

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Why do I bother listing Ricky Williams after Ronnie Brown all but appointed himself the God of All Things Fantasy Football? First, because Williams' stock is exceedingly low. Owners look at Brown's 4 rushing TD's and his lone passing TD and ignore that Williams quietly put together almost 100 yards on the ground against the Patriots. Second, Brown will get injured. He's due. A game like he just had can only anger the fates who will surely stick him with a high ankle sprain or some other fitting punishment before too long. On a serious note, Brown and Williams had a nearly even split in carries (17:16) and catches (1:2), showing that both players can be effective while splitting time in the backfield.