Back to football: Week 4 pickups

If you're like someone I know, puttering along at 0-3, you've been scowering that waiver wire with a fine-tooth finger.

You know there is no coming back from 0-4.

And, of course, you have Manning or Wayne or Addai on a bye.

Here's some quick fill-in options for this week.

Matt Jones, WR, Jaguars (3.5 stars)

You mean, the former college QB, Matt Jones? That's right. And after 16 receptions, 24 looks and 173 yards in the first three games, Jones draws an ultra-Downey soft Texans defense. Then, there was this quote from Jags offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter: "We have to continue to find better ways to use Matt [Jones]," Koetter said. "Let's face it. He has some talents that other guys don't have." Expect 6 catches, 80 yards and a score.

Hank Baskett, WR, Eagles (3 stars)

His weekly yardage totals have been schizophrenic: 102, 10, 85. Which Baskett will show up against the Bears on Sunday night? After giving up 400 yards to Brian Griese and the Bucs, you'd have to think Baskett will get his share of looks. Expect 4 catches, 65 yards with a possible score.

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons (3 stars)

You saw Chris Chambers torch the Panthers' secondary in week 1. You saw Bernard Berrian burn Carolina last week. And you've seen Matt Ryan's huge arm, connecting for a 62- and 70-yard TD score already this season. All it takes is one bomb to Roddy White or Michael Jenkins and you have a nice fill-in day for Payton or Eli Manning (how much you wanna bet those two are on the same golf course this weekend?). Think 205yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT.

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans (2.5 stars)

If it wasn't for the Jax defense, I'd make Slaton a 4-star sleeper. Slaton chewed up a good Tennessee defense with 116 yards on 18 carries. Jacksonville lived up to its reputation, holding Buffalo's run attack in week 2, but Chris Johnson ripped off 6.2 yards per carry in week 1 and Joseph Addai managed 4.9 last week. Slaton might not get to 100, but he'll get to 80 and score.

Correll Buckhalter, RB, Eagles (2 stars)

With the game-time decision of Brian Westbrook holding up rosters Sunday afternoon, how could I honestly recommend Buckhalter? Dude, I gave him 2 stars. This is only a good idea, if you are in a desperation mode. But even if Westbrook plays, look for Buckhalter to get more carries than usual. All indications seem to point to Westbrook NOT playing, but you never know. Westbrook is good for 1-2 DNPs a season for regular maintenance. That's why he always comes at a slight discount on draft day. Expect 35 yards if Westbrook plays and 70 and score if he doesn't.