Week 10: Deep League Pickups

As a change of pace, this week's Deep League pickups column will not look solely at free agents for the upcoming week, but at players who are under or off the radar now that could turn into this year's version of Pierre Thomas, Antonio Bryant or Tyler Thigpen down the stretch. This also ties in with tonight's Podcast (7pm est), where our focus will be remainder of the season planning, from players to target in a trade or send packing, players and teams with schedules you want to exploit down the stretch and if it is time to time to stop waiting on the top draft picks like Jason Witten, Calvin Johnson and Brandon Jacobs to produce.

QB Brady Quinn, CLE

Never bought into the Quinn hype when he was a Golden Domer and its not like he has shown anything to warrant confidence as a pro. However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Browns are said to be going back to Quinn as their starting QB this week against the Ravens. Now, no team has fewer offensive weapons than the offensive Browns offense, but there should be no reason for Quinn to lose his job the rest of the way regardless of his paltry numbers. But, what IF, something clicks? What IF he has one solid game, at least for fantasy owners? He will be snatched up faster than Megan Fox on singles night during Fleet Week. Even better, if he gives fantasy owners even a glimmer of hope, Quinn's Week 15-16 match-ups -- @ KC, Oakland -- become even tastier. Short term, QB3. Long term, sneaky spot starter if the Browns show ANY signs of life.

RB Kolby Smith, KC

Jamaal Charles has received all kinds of hype as the Chiefs' RB-in-waiting, but the sub-200 pounder continues to be utilized more as a receiver than runner, having not carried the ball more than six times in any game this season. It is possible the Chiefs, either by design or scoreboard, will not run often in any game this season, but backup Kolby Smith could become the primary ball carrier now that Larry Johnson has been sent packing (according to Kansas City Star beat writer Adam Teicher). Smith, who has missed significant time over the last two seasons with a knee injury, rushed for 400+ yards in 2007 -- including a 100-yard game -- and looks to be the more viable short yardage option to boot. No RB on this squad is looking like they will ever be a RB2 option this year, but Smith has potential flex value if he is the running side of this now split backfield.

RB Danny Ware, NYG

Never have two total carries in one random Week Nine game been as tantalizing as those run by Giants backup Danny Ware. The Giants head into their bye week having dropped a shocking four straight games and adjustments are afoot, potentially in the backfield. Brandon Jacobs has lacked the bull in the china shop type attitude when carrying the rock this year, plus briefly left the last game with a knee tweak. Ahmad Bradshaw's solid season could be cut short any minute due to an ongoing ankle injury. Factor in the potential change for change sake and Ware suddenly looks like he could be this year's version of Pierre Thomas, though on a smaller scale unless one or both of the backs is sidelined for more than a game or two. The former Georgia Bulldog runs with power (something the Giants covet). For now he is a Jacobs/Bradshaw handcuff, but worthy to add as a sign and hold for all deep leaguers. Fingers crossed...

WR Andre Caldwell, CIN

Carson Palmer has not posted monster fantasy numbers as a whole, but the Bengals' real world passing game has improved over the course of the season. Andre Caldwell may not be at the center of that growth, but the slot receiver has been an effective weapon and is likely to receive more targets going forward following Chris Henry's season-ending injury. Caldwell is now no worse than the Bengals' #3 passing game option. Plus, Laveranues Coles, who had his best fantasy game of the season after being a non-factor most of the year, is always an injury risk and the Bengals lack a true tight end option. Palmer has shown confidence in the second-year receiver and his faith has been rewarded with 29 receptions for 272 yards and two scores over their first eight games. Those totals should be easily doubled and then some with the Bengals' largely soft upcoming schedule, making Caldwell a worthy bench addition with true WR3 potential going forward.

WR James Jones, GB

As mentioned here last week, though he has not been heavily targeted, James Jones continues to make big plays for the Packers when given opportunities -- including a 74-yard touchdown against the Bucs in Week Nine. The Packers' second half schedule shapes up nice for their passing game and Jones is in line to take advantage of the nickel corners he faces most weeks. Jones has already shown he is worth stashing as a backup WR and now is doing enough damage to warrant WR3 play in a good match-up -- like the Lions in Week 12, Ravens in Week 13 and the Seahawks in Week 16. If Donald Driver or Greg Jennings miss time with injuries, Jones' status vaults to WR2 across the board as long as Aaron Rodgers remains upright.