Back to NFL; Week 3 waiver gems

After watching Carlos Zambrano get rocked for 8 runs in 1 2/3 innings this afternoon, I have no other choice but to turn my attention to football.

Actually, The Ryder Cup is again making a claim for the best sporting event on TV, but even I think fantasy golf is lame, so we'll move onto the NFL.

While it may be a little late to give pickup advice, here are some sleepers you should think about, especially if you have a few holes on your roster (and who doesn't).

This week's pickups:

Michael Bush, RB, Raiders (4 stars)

With Darren McFadden battling the dreaded turf toe and Justin Fargas gimpy with a groin injury, Bush remains the healthiest back in what is turning into a run-heavy offense. McFadden is still starting, so don't expect miracles here, but moving forward, there's bound to be many weeks where Bush is a strong play. This week at Buffalo, however, may not be one of them, but if you're scraping for life in a flex spot, don't hesitate. After 90 yards last week on 16 carries, look for about half that this week (50 yards on 10 carries), but Bush could be a good bet to score, especially if this one turns into a laugher late. The Raiders won't ride McFadden in a blowout.

Justin Gage, Titans, WR (3.5 stars)

A Tennessee receiver? No, I'm not smoking anything. Here's the deal. Kerry Collins has taken over at QB with Vince Young's shenanigans going on. Coach Jeff Fisher said this week that Collins would keep the job, so long as the Titans keep winning. We all know Collins has a gun and while the Titans are a run-first team, someone's gotta catch the ball and Gage is the top target, although he is a game-time decision so you may want to wait a week before you en-Gage this sleeper. Facing Houston and Minnesota secondaries the next two weeks is like printing money. Think 75 yards and a TD, if he plays

Bernanrd Berrian, Vikings, WR (3 stars)

If you've missed out on Gage, Berrian's likely still hanging around your waiver wire. But what do you want with a wideout who has only 3 catches for 38 yards this year? Thy name is Gus Ferrotte. The benching of Tavaris Jackson is not only surprising after two weeks, but should increase the Vikings' passing game two-fold. Maybe now, they'll actually try throwing inside the red zone. Berrian is a star, paired with the right QB, and while Ferrotte is no Manning, he's been known to air it out with the best of them. Look for 65 yards and a score this week from B.B.

J.T. O'Sullivan, QB, 49ers (3 stars)

What? J.T. who? Yes, the obscure 6th-year QB who has thrown for 516 yards (thanks Mike Martz) has a dream matchup this week in the Detroit Lions. It's a good bet to start any QB and starting RB against what looks like the worst defense in the league. And it might not be close. O'Sullivan has developed nice rapport with Isaac Bruce and you know Martz knows how to use Bruce, regardless of how close he is to AARP status. Those of you who drafted Carson Palmer should plug and play this Irish gunslinger while Cincy tries to find themselves. O'Sullivan should get another 300-yard game this week, with two scores.

Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers (2.5 stars)

The main reason to pick up Jackson is Ryan Grant's tender hamstring. Grant practiced without pads on Thursday, but is expected to play Sunday night in what should be a wild shootout with the Cowboys. Any RB who could get carries for a team as explosive as Green Bay should be owned and Jackson should find carries, similarly to Bush, but in a much more prolific offense. And he could make for a good bye-week fill-in coming up. Look for 7-10 carries for 40 yards, but probably no score this week.