Week 7: Pickups of the Week

QB Josh Freeman, ---

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Josh Freeman is a surprisingly solid option for those left scrambling to replace quarterbacks on bye weeks. Over the last two games especially, he has looked more like the promising Josh Freeman of 2010 than the disappointing and mistake-prone version of last season. The 328 yards he put up against the Chiefs in Week 6 were atypical of a player whose career average hovers below 220. Nevertheless, his recent fantasy success looks likely to continue. Not only is he a solid replacement option this week against the lacklustre Saints, he is also someone to consider as insurance over the midseason stretch. The Buccaneers don't face another top flight passing defense until they host Atlanta in Week 12.

QB Russell Wilson, ---

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Wilson isn't a pretty passer; It's a simple truth. He looks nervous in the pocket and can't seem to see over his own offensive line. Last Sunday his general awkwardness was compounded by a fierce Patriots pass rush and a slick, rainy field. Yet despite all that (and despite throwing some ugly, wobbly passes), Wilson got it done again. The rookie led his team to victory, clinching the game with a precise deep ball to Sidney Rice after a perfectly excecuted playaction fake. The touchdown pass was his third of the day -- a new personal best to go along with a career-high 293 yards passing. Those whispered suggestions that Matt Flynn should step in will fade to the background as long as Wilson keeps handling business in crunch time. Disregard this rookie at your own peril, owners of Matt Ryan, Peyton Manning, Michael Vick and Phillip Rivers.

RB Vick Ballard, ---

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Ballard failed to live up to last week's sudden waiver wire buzz thanks to a stinker of a performance by the Colts. After getting down early to the Jets, Indianapolis pretty much abandoned the running game and effectively kept Ballard on the shelf. The rookie flashed some big time potential during the preseason, but had no opportunity to showcase his talent in Week 6. He should see his fortunes improve against a more suspect Browns front seven this Sunday. Unfortunately, he probably remains a short term solution as Donald Brown is due to make his return in Week 8 or 9.

RB LeGarrette Blount, ---

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My cunning colleague Mr. Chris Weeks recommended LeGarrette Blount as a super sleeper last Wednesday, advising that it was sometimes worth planning a week or two in advance. Hopefully you heeded his words and enjoyed Blount's mild Week 6 breakout. The displaced former starter has now scored in consecutive games and is making a strong case for an increase in red zone carries. The Swiss cheese New Orleans defense should provide ample opportunities for both Blount and Doug Martin to put up decent fantasy numbers this Sunday.

RB Felix Jones, ---

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DeMarco Murray hobbled off the field with a foot injury midway through Sunday's loss to Baltimore. He checked back into the game after halftime, but was obviously limited and was only given one carry. In his place, Felix Jones ripped off 92 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, though he too had to leave the game briefly due to cramping. Jones' cramps aren't a concern; Murray's foot injury might be. He's headed for a MRI and fantasy owners shouldn't wait around to hear the result. Pick up Jones now as a handcuff who has, at the very least, earned a bigger role going forward. If Murray can't give it a go in Week 7, Jones will get the start against a very accomodating Carolina defense.

WR Donnie Avery, ---

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Andrew Luck and Reggie Wayne both had poor performances against the Jets secondary, but Avery was still able to find his openings. As a number two, Avery has been a remarkably consistent option this season -- remarkable partly because he has stayed healthy and maintained his game-breaking speed following a 2011 season that was lost to him as he recovered from ACL surgery. His star is back on the rise and he is a great candidate should you need bye week WR or flex support over the next few games.

WR Brandon Gibson, NE

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With Danny Amendola gone for at least a month, the Rams desperately needed Brandon Gibson to step up and embrace an alpha role. He delivered in Miami, catching seven of his nine targets for a team high 91 yards. Though he did have a nasty drop during the game, he more than made up for it with an insanely athletic twisting one-handed grab that should stay looped on Sports Center highlight reels all season long. With St. Louis expected to stay airborne versus the Packers and Patriots over the next two weeks, Gibson will undoubtedly see a high volume of passes thrown his way.

WR Kendall Wright, ---

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Kendall Wright leads all rookies in receiving yardage this season and he's done so while competing for snaps and dealing with a quarterback change. The snap sharing will continue as long as Nate Washington and Kenny Britt are healthy. And it looks like all three Titans receivers will be catching passes from Matt Hasselbeck for at least another week. None of this should detract deep-league owners from giving Wight the call on Sunday as the explosive young receiver will remain a big part of this offense under almost any circumstances.

TE Dustin Keller, ---

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Back on the field for the first time since opening day, Dustin Keller was quiet on Sunday but won't remain so for long. He's one of the only proven pass-catchers left on a team that desperately needs a pair of reliable hands. And while the nightmare tandem of Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow would cripple a wideout's fantasy prospects, a tight end better suits the limited range and accuracy of Jets QBs. Keller's hamstring issues appear to now be behind him. Healthy once more, he provides a decent bye week option for needy owners.

PK Robbie Gould, ---

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The Bears had the week off and their kicker was probably dropped in many fantasy leagues by owners who can barely stomach the idea of rostering one kicker, let alone two. Now is your chance to swoop in and nab a high-scoring PK who remains perfect on field goals and extra point tries this year. Because I need to eat up some more space, I'll leave you with this head-scratcher: Robbie Gould is in the final season of a six-year deal worth more than $15.5 million dollars. That's right: someone who nets roughly 30 seconds of playing time per week could make close to $3 million this year when you factor in roster bonuses. Tell that to the 41 Chicago players -- many of whom are starters playing difficult, high skill, high impact positions -- who stand to make less than him this season.