Week 9: Pickups of the Week

QB Blaine Gabbert, ---

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Gabbert broke the 300-yard plateau for the first time as a pro last weekend and is quietly putting together a solid sophomore campaign. At his current pace, he would easily surpass his rookie totals in yardage and touchdowns, while cutting his interceptions by half. Even so, he remains more of a spot play. If you need QB help over the coming two weeks in particular, Gabbert will have chances to shine. The Jaguars' next play host to the Lions and Colts -- two teams that have combined to allow 23 passing touchdowns against only five interceptions. The road gets a little rougher after that with the Houston Texans on tap.

QB Russell Wilson, ---

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After being bottled up by San Francisco in Week 7 (a fate shared by most 49ers opponents this season), Wilson had a much better time throwing the ball in Week 8. Against the Lions he set new personal high water marks in completions (25) and attempts (35). He also reached ten passing touchdowns on the season and looks to be developing nicely after wild speculation in some quarters that he might be replaced in favor of Matt Flynn, a taller and more conventional option at quarterback. Coach Pete Carroll has expressed his confidence in the rookie and fantasy owners should be guardedly optimistic of Wilson's progress as well. He makes a reasonable fill-in choice this week as he takes on a Vikings secondary that was picked apart last Thursday by Josh Freeman.

RB Ronnie Hillman, ---

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It's a shame that Hillman's breakout game came on the same day Willis McGahee posted his season-high in rushing. A shame, but not a coincidence; the Saints defense is in shambles. Nevertheless, Hillman used this opportunity to showcase a decent burst through the line and exceptional edge quickness. The diminutive rookie has seen his field time grow considerably over the past few weeks and his Sunday night performance should earn him a larger role going forward. He's still a backup, but if McGahee gets injured it will be a feverish race to the waiver wire to claim Hillman's services. We advise you claim him now while you still can.

RB Daniel Thomas, ---

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Thomas suffered two concussions in the first five weeks of the season, but was coming off two weeks of rest. He returned to action on Sunday against the Jets and looked healthy, resuming his customary goal line and short yardage duties. In the blowout he actually earned one more carry than Reggie Bush. Despite his electric playmaking ability, Bush isn't thought to be suited for a heavy role week in and week out. Thomas, on the other hand, is a grinder who will have plenty of chances to reward fantasy owners with short touchdown runs like the one he scored in New York. A flex option in standard leagues, Thomas could also be rostered as insurance against a possible injury to Bush, who hasn't survived a full season at the NFL level since his rookie year back in 2006.

WR Danny Amendola, ---

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Due to return in Week 10. Now may be the last chance to add him to your squad before some other opportunistic manager does it. Amendola was on pace for better than a 100-catch, 1,200-yard campaign before he broke his collar bone.

WR Cecil Shorts, ---

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His name may sound like a cartoon character's, but Cecil Shorts is no joke. Great speed and run-after-catch abilities have helped him climb to number three on the Jaguars' WR depth chart and his recent play suggests he may climb further. Against the Packers he was targeted a team-high twelve times and responded with eight catches for 112 yards. It marks the second straight game the Mount Union product has started in place of the injured Laurent Robinson and the second straight time he has been Blaine Gabbert's prefered target. Robinson's healthy return from multiple concussions is no sure bet and, when he comes back to reclaim his starting job, Shorts will maintain a role as a field-stretching threat. Owners in deep leagues can consider using him immediately, while standard leaguers might do better to stash him on the bench and see whether Jacksonville's passing game continues to improve.

WR Titus Young, ---

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Young appeared in our 'Start 'Em' and our 'Sleepers of the Week' columns for Week 8 and lived up to the hype with the best performance of his career (nine catches for 100 yards and two TDs, including the game winner). Generally, a player coming off a performance like that would have opponents game-planning to stop him. But teams are already using double coverage on Calvin Johnson and, even after a big breakout, Young has to look like the lesser of two evils. As a newly minted starter he is riding high on a wave of confidence and can look forward to full-time snaps facing mostly single coverage the rest of the season. He should be owned in all but the most shallow fantasy leagues.

TE Dallas Clark, ---

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Clark has been busy in Tampa Bay's suddenly potent passing attack. The former Colt may be in his twilight playing years, but he's still a excellent route runner and tough coverage assignment. The downfield success of Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams is opening space underneath, where Clark now operates. Week 9's bye week has deprived owners of some top tier tight ends. In turning to the next tier, it helps to be able to trust a player with pedigree. This former All Pro TE should be able to exploit a vulnerable Raiders defense this Sunday.

TE Logan Paulsen, ---

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Fred Davis' season ended in Week 7 leaving one big question mark at the TE position in Washington. That question was answered emphatically on Sunday. Though the team re-signed Chris Cooley to give them depth, it was Logan Paulsen who stepped into the number one spot. According to Pro Football Focus, he played a whopping 95% of the team's offensive snaps. His four catches for 43 yards against Pittsburgh were good enough for second on the team. He's been credited in the past by coach Shanahan for his solid blocking ability and has now shown impressive receiving chops since taking over for Davis. If not for a Week 10 bye, he'd be a higher value pickup. As it stands, he's worth TE2 consideration.

PK Kai Forbath, ---

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Between them, Olindo Mare and Josh Brown played as many seasons in the NFL as Forbath has seen years on this earth. But with youth on his side, it was the former UCLA Bruin who out-duelled the grizzled vets to win Washington's mid-season kicking contest and the right to a job. Kai Forbath was signed to replace the ineffectual Billy Cundiff, whose five misses in the first five games were enough to get him kicked to the curb. Since taking over full time kicking duties, Forbath is a perfect six for six on field goals, though he did have an extra point blocked last weekend. No matter. Washington is tied for fifth in field goal attempts and is second to only New England in point after tries. In a high-scoring role the rookie Redskin is a sneaky source for fantasy points this weekend against Carolina, who have allowed a league-high 21 field goals so far.