Week 8 pickups

Whooooa, what happened? Across the nation, fantasy owners are claiming Buffalo Bills players at a rapid, frantic pace. You’re in such a frenzy, you’re trying to ignore the voices in your head. You have the left and right brain battling it out as you make haphazard waiver moves. On one hand, you’re thinking, “They just whipped the Baltimore Ravens.” On the other hand, the voice of reason says, “Yeah, but they’re Bills.”

As you agonize over all these decisions, let me make this easy for you. We’re in the throws of the bye weeks, and that’s means unfortunate lineup substitutions. We have gimpy running backs and bad decisions on our squads, so now’s the time to take a chance. Saddle up with these Bills and other good grabs below.

Ryan Fitzpatrick – His stats were already impressive before Sunday’s contest against the Ravens (which, by the way, destroyed suicide pools everywhere). The stud Fitzpatrick threw for 374 yards and four scores on Sunday. The former Harvard smarty has 11 touchdowns over the last four games. Available in 61 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Kenny Britt – Britt’s another one who prompted the fast finger on countless keyboards in Fantasyland. In only three quarters of play, Britt amassed 225 yards and three touchdowns. Britt sat the first quarter after a barroom brawl at the ironically-named Karma Lounge. Caution, Britt could see further disciplinary action. And keep in mind, Britt has higher value with Kerry Collins at the helm; and asking Jeff Fisher to pick a favorite quarterback is like asking Bill Belichick to pick a lone running back. While he’s largely taken now, he’s a benchwarmer on many teams. If he plays Sunday, start him.

LaGarrette Blount – Not too many unknown running backs emerged from Week 8, which is unfortunate for those fishing for help at that position. Check out Blount who racked up 72 yards on 11 carries for Tampa Bay . Although his time has been limited, he appears to overcome the Bucs’ weak O-line, unlike Cadillac who continues to struggle. Tampa faces a soft Cardinals defense this weekend. Available in 72 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Steve Johnson – Averaging over 75 yards per game with touchdowns in each of his last five games. Still don’t know who he is? He plays for the powerhouse Bills. Available in
37 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Blair White – Seriously, all moms should want their sons to play wide receiver for the Colts.

Other notables: David Gettis (CAR), James Jones (GB), Jordan Shipley (CIN) and Darren Sproles (SD).

Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin 's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning at 9:00, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.