Week 8: Pickups of the Week
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, ---
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You just can't argue with results, as much as you might like to: Four consecutive multi-TD games, a 102.0 QB rating on the year and, most tellingly, a 374-passing yard game against the Ravens. We all know that losing teams have to throw the ball, for better or for worse. So far, Buffalo's Fitzpatrick has been better than most will admit. If you're among the vast majority of people who long ago chose to write-off this Bills passing attack, now's the time to challenge your prejudices, face the stats and admit that this QB is at least a viable bye week replacement.
QB Matthew Stafford, LAR
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Behind the strong arms of Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton (yes, you're reading that right) Detroit sits seventh in the league in passing. Now, their incumbent starter makes his long-awaited return from injury. The Lions air it out more than any team in the league. That could mean big numbers for Stafford against the Washington Redskins, who are giving up almost 300 passing yards per game. In leagues that don't penalize too heavily for INTs, Stafford is a worthy bye week add and could help numb the pain for owners who just lost Tony Romo.
RB LeGarrette Blount, ---
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The hard-running Blount exploited a favorable matchup in Week 7, chugging his way to 6.5 yards per carry against the Rams. He should get the opportunity to build on that momentum against the Cardinals' 29th ranked rush defense this weekend. Carnell Williams remains the starter, but has been steadily losing carries to Huggins (prior to his injury) and now Blount. The biggest reason: his 2.5 yards per carry. Cadillac's wheels just aren't what they once were -- though he's still been highly effective in the passing game. The coaching staff may not be ready to admit it, but Williams is looking more and more like a third down back, while Blount looks to be the one who can carry the load.
RB Donald Brown, ---
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His value depends on how quickly he can get healthy. Obviously, sooner is better. There's a window of opportunity thanks to Joseph Addai's shoulder issues, but that window could close quickly. Mike Hart's been moderately productive spelling Addai during the last two games and Brown is, no doubt, eager to reassert himself as the RB heir apparent. He should be back this week to knock Mike Hart to the bench and claim an interim starting role. Addai might be out of action for the next few games, making Brown a decent flex option during the last of the bye weeks.
WR Davone Bess, ---
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Every team in the league knows when they face the Dolphins they have to account for Brandon Marshall on every play; yet few teams pay enough attention to stopping Davone Bess -- who's now scored in three straight games. Bess is a master route-runner who has great field vision, great hands and knows how to get open. He was a PPR superstar last year, though he rarely found the end zone. Conventional wisdom told us to knock him down a notch when Marshall was signed, but Bess proved us wrong. He's thriving in his role out of the slot and has already surpassed his 2009 TD total. With Marshall soaking up coverages, Bess should continue to put up solid numbers.
