Week 3: Pickups of the Week

QB Matt Hasselbeck, ---

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For the last three years, fans have believed the Seahawks' offensive struggles were largely the fault of Matt Hasselbeck. But maybe the opposite was true. Seattle's offense is currently a laughing stock while the newly liberated Hasselbeck looks refreshed in Tennessee. In Kenny Britt, Hasselbeck now has a legitimate number one receiver he can rely on, while in Chris Johnson he has the game-breaking weapon who can keep defenses honest and take some of the pressure off. Hasselbeck looked great taking apart an always deadly Raven secondary, but he's better suited to picking on weaker teams. The Broncos, who may be without Champ Bailey, fit that profile as do the Browns in Week 4. In fact, looking over the Titans' schedule only Pittsburgh stands out as a truly threatening opponent. Matt Hasselbeck might just be in line for a monster season.

RB Roy Helu, ---

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I won't oversell this guy -- he now has a grand total of one noteworthy performance on his thin NFL resume. But he's worth keeping an eye on. In Washington, running backs have no job security. Though Mike Shanahan had been touting Tim Hightower as his feature back, last week he chose to work in ten carries for the rookie Helu in a tight contest versus the Cardinals. Hightower is the man until further notice -- but that notice comes quickly in Shanahanland and owners may wish to have Helu on standby.

RB Thomas Jones, ---

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Following the dismal news that Jamaal Charles won't play again in 2011, fantasy owners are left with two fallback options: Thomas Jones or Dexter McCluster. Jones is more suited to play the workhorse role, pounding it between the tackles multiple times during a drive and answering the call in short yardage and goal line situations. Jones has ten years more NFL experience than McCluster, has been a featured back before, and has the build to sustain (and deliver) abuse. The two will share a role in the backfield, no doubt. But it's Thomas who's likelier to perform on a weekly basis and who now stands in position to notch his sixth 1,000-yard rushing season.

RB Dexter McCluster, ---

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Thomas Jones is the safe bet. Dexter McCluster is the intriguing gamble.
At this stage in his career, Jones isn't going to surprise anyone. He's basically a straight ahead runner who will look to punish defenders and grind out yardage. His yards per carry average has declined in each of the last three seasons and will probably take another hit since the Chiefs' passing attack isn't scaring anyone and teams are able to stack the box to stop the run. Jones will likely get more carries and more goal-line touches, but his ceiling is limited. If the Chiefs offense is going to salvage their season, they'll need to employ some dynamic playmaking ability. Jones has exhausted his; McCluster has plenty to spare. Not only can he turn seemingly harmless draws and pitches into long gains, he can also line up as a receiver and embarrass defenders in open space. In addition to an increase in carries, he should retain his kick return duties and will continue to be featured in several gadget plays per game. A threat to score at any time and from anywhere, McCluster is a high risk, high reward waiver add who offers the bonus of having RB/WR eligibility in most leagues.

WR Eric Decker, ---

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With Brandon Lloyd a surprise scratch on Sunday, Eric Decker slid into the starting lineup and shined with the opportunity. In Week 1 he made his mark as a return man (128 return yards and a touchdown); in Week 2 he showed that he could ably step in as the team's top go-to receiver (five catches on nine targets, 113 yards and two scores). Lloyd should be healthy for Week 3, but Eddie Royal's groin injury means Decker will continue to start. Another big performance could make Royal's health a moot point as Decker is already looking like the better long-term option.