Week 6: Pickups of the Week
QB Kyle Orton, ---
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Never in a million years did I think I'd find myself in this position. Admittedly, I feel dirty recommending Kyle Orton. Truly, these must be dark times. But you can't argue with the cold comfort of statistics: seven touchdowns, only one pick, no lost fumbles, and five straight wins this year to go along with a career regular season record as a starter of 26-12. A truly objective look tells us that Orton wins game -- whether for Denver, or for your fantasy team. Don't believe me? Maybe you Peyton Manning and Tony Romo owners, or (shudder) you Shaun Hill and Chad Henne owners have better solutions this week. That's right, trust in the stats my friends. It's scary, but -- no matter how you break it down -- Orton is playing like a top-10 fantasy QB right now and is worth starting next week.
RB Jamal Lewis, ---
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Harrison pressed him and Lewis responded...this time. However, this is a battle that will rage all season long. For now, Lewis has shown he's got some fight left in him. With his job seemingly at stake, Lewis had his first 30+ carries, 100+ yard rushing game since 2007. The Browns are short on receivers, especially after the Braylon Edwards trade. The team will continue to lean on Lewis until such time as he sputters. Lewis has three tough matchups in a row -- Pittsburgh, Green Bay, Chicago -- but is worth stashing for the occasional flex play or bye week replacement in most leagues.
RB Sammy Morris, ---
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With Fred Taylor down and out, Sammy Morris assumes the dubious distinction of being number one in the Patriots' backfield pecking order. Unfortunately, last week was close to a best case scenario for him. Morris isn't likely to reach 20 carries most games, but he is the most dynamic and reliable running back in New England, and can be a factor in both the running and passing attack. He is a strong choice as a week 6 bye replacement in most fantasy formats.
RB Carnell Williams, ---
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Williams was less than electrifying on Sunday. He had fewer yards than he did carries, but he nevertheless continues to get more looks and touches than Derrick Ward. Forget that he laid an egg against the Eagles, Williams deserves another shot this week against a Carolina team that has left behind a trail of happy opposing running backs. The Panthers are giving up more than 155 yards per game on the ground and could provide the fodder for a nice Carnell Williams bounce-back game.
WR Miles Austin, ---
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Sunday at about 4:45 pm ET fantasy owners all over the world sprinted to their computers to pick up new single-game franchise-record holder Austin Miles (who had just turned another simple, intermediate hook pattern into a back-breaking, game-winning TD). His 10-catch, 250-yard receiving game is nothing to sneeze at, but amidst the excitement you need to keep perspective. Yes, Austin has definitely earned himself more playing time. Yes, he showed impressive speed and toughness on both his long touchdown runs. However, he's also had trouble with drops this season and did drop an easy pass in the end zone during the first quarter of the Chiefs' game. He also recorded both his TDs on Sunday against a secondary that showed all the tackling ability of your average Pop Warner team. Worth picking up? Sure. But one great game does not make him a fantasy star.
