HOT PICKUPS - Week 5

RBs Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: With Cadillac Williams out of the picture, Pittman's value spikes. He had been used as a fullback this year after Mike Alstott went down, but now it's unclear how Jon Gruden will use the vetern Pittman and the upstart Graham out of the backfield. We do know, however, that they're supposed to be sharing carries, which means they'll both have some value. If you had to choose one, however, I give Pittman the slight nod. He should be flashing this at least a few more times:





Pittman - FOUR STARS (Out of five); Graham - THREE STARS.

New York Giants defense: When an NFL team breaks out 12 sacks, you have to take notice. Granted, the G-men looked more like the Little Giants (minus Rick Moranis) through Week 2, but they've improved by leaps and bounds the past two games. They'll probably never rack up a dozen sacks again, but with Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan working under new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo (who cut his teeth under blitz-master Jim Johnson of the Eagles), that pass rush is no joke. Their schedule sets up nicely, too, with the Jets, Falcons, 49ers and Dolphins looming the next four weeks. FOUR STARS.

QB David Carr, Carolina Panthers: Listen up, David. Remember that guy Andre Johnson you used to throw the ball to back in Houston? I know it's hard to remember after all the blows you took to the head in your days as a Texan, but he was pretty good, and you guys made for a decent pass-catch duo. Well, this guy Steve Smith you've got on your team now is better. Just throw him the ball a lot this week against the Saints, and you should be just fine. Your new O-line may even block for you. THREE STARS.

WR Patrick Crayton, Dallas Cowboys: I know a guy who drafted Crayton late in our 12-team league as his big sleeper. Did he start him last week against the Rams, when he scored two TDs? Nah, he dropped him two weeks ago. But his initial instincts were good, as Crayton is going to get a bunch of looks from superman Tony Romo, especially this week against Buffalo, while Terrell Owens is getting double-covered (thanks for the three catches, 33 yards and three drops last week, bud!!) and Terry Glenn is nowhere to be found. THREE STARS.