Week 7: Pickups of the Week
WR Patrick Crayton, ---
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With Naanee sitting out, Gates done at the half and Floyd exiting in the third quarter, Crayton got his chance to shine last week. He posted a team-high 116 yards receiving and could get a great spot start in Week 7 against New England (who are giving up 273 passing yards per game and have allowed 10 TDs through the air). Naanee might play next week, but it's unlikely we'll see Floyd. If Gates (once a beefy forward at Kent State) also misses the game, Crayton will be the go-to-guy by default.
WR Mike Williams, ---
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Believe it or not, Mike Williams has a lot in common with the Cavaliers' LeBron James: they're both 26-year-old former 1st round picks with freakish size and athletic gifts who are nearly impossible for defenders to cover. Both players are starting fresh this year with new teams. Each is leaving behind a disgruntled fan base and each has moved across the country. But there the similarities end. LeBron single-handedly murdered a fan base in Cleveland; Detroit fans quickly forgot Williams. James faces otherworldly expectations, while the bar for Williams is at at all-time low. In pure b-ball terminology, the biggest difference is that, unlike King James, Williams has shown a range of post-up moves this year and knows how to use his body to box out a defender. He's a great possession receiver and, with Deion Branch out of the picture, he's stepped up his game. Wililams' ten-catch effort against Chicago could signal a big step forward for the big USC product.
TE Fred Davis, ---
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Glen Davis took an elbow to the dome in game five of the NBA finals that sent him stumbling and sprawling over Boston's parquet floor. It was hard to watch and clear televised proof that even the largest athletes are susceptible to concussions. Chris Cooley suffered a similar delayed reaction concussion last week. He wasn't knocked out flat, but like Big Baby he was scrambled. The NFL is keeping a close eye on any and all concussive hits to the head and the odds are against Cooley being cleared to play for Week 7. Over ten weeks as Cooley's understudy last season, Fred Davis recorded 41 catches for 461 yards and six touchdowns -- a near Pro Bowl pace. For those in need of a bye week replacement, you know what to do.
TE Ben Watson, ---
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The Browns lack reliable wideouts and have fielded a succession of QBs who are new to the offense. That's a nightmare scenario for the passing game generally, but an ideal scenario for Benjamin Watson. The poorest-shooting basketball teams often have one great rebounder -- someone has to clean up the garbage. In football, the garbage goes to the tight end. Watson is a big target and sure-handed option for quarterbacks that really have nowhere else to go with the ball.
Los Angeles
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Can you believe this Rams defense -- ranked dead last in our preseason projections -- is currently in the NFL's top ten in points allowed? Would you believe they're sixth in the league in sacks? How about that they're 3rd in forced fumbles? It's all true. The Rams have one of the best pressure defenses in football right now. In his fist year as defensive coordinator, Ken Flajole has this team fired up and causing havoc. Over the next two weeks, St. Louis brings their full court press to Tampa (23rd in per game yardage, 29th in per game scoring) and Carolina (last in per game yardage and points). It's a two-game stretch that should solidify this team's status as a legitimate defensive force. Here's your chance to be first on the bandwagon.
Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
