To pick up, or not to pick up? That is the question many owners are asking themselves today as they look at the big numbers put up Sunday by players freely available in the majority of leagues.
Is Miles Austin (Cowboys) a rising star, or just a guy the Chiefs couldn’t tackle to save their lives?
Is it time to renew your faith in Matt Hasselbeck (Seahawks) and his tender ribs after he shredded the Jaguars for four touchdown passes?
Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants), who torched the dying Raiders for 110 yards and two touchdowns, is a free agent in nearly half of all leagues.
How about Jeremy Maclin (Eagles)? Two weeks after DeSean Jackson goes off, Maclin seemed to replace him.
What about Kyle Orton (Broncos)?
The verdict? Austin is worth grabbing, stashing and waiting. The bigger question is Tony Romo and his funk.
Hasselbeck remains too unpredictable to be your starter, but could be any team’s No. 2. Bradshaw should be watched closely because he’s getting enough touches to be dangerous, but had been snakebit near the end zone. Maclin? He should play the lottery before next week because Sunday might have been his big day. Orton? All he does is win, right?
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Nate Burleson, Seahawks, WR six catches, 98 yards, two TDs
Heath Miller, Steelers, TE five catches, 54 yards, TD
Kyle Orton, Broncos, QB 35 completions, 330 yards, two TDs
Ray Rice, Ravens, RB 14 carries, 69 yards; seven catches, 74 yards, TD
Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers, TE nine catches, 102 yards, two TDs
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Marion Barber, Cowboys, RB 15 carries, 53 yards
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars, RB 12 carries, 34 yards; five catches, 23 yards
Willis McGahee, Ravens, RB one carry, minus-2 yards; one catch, 4 yards
Randy Moss, Patriots, WR one catch, 36 yards
Steve Slaton, Texans, RB 13 carries, 39 yards; six catches, 59 yards
