It’s been a while since I last checked in, but I welcome you to the period of bye weeks, where the depth of one’s team can be tested. This week is especially im­portant as the most crucial teams are on a bye, which can affect any fantasy league. Specifically, the Philadelphia Eagles, Buf­falo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, New England Patriots and Cin­cinnati Bengals are all on a bye. Expect backups and free agency pickups to be­come important this week and within the next few weeks as well.

In regards to the players you may pick up out of free agency, do not expect to get a great option as a replacement, as most teams have picked up any real value out there. What’s paramount at this point is matchups. Be on the lookout for anyone who may drop a decent player that could go on your bench, especially if they are dropped from another team to make space for a bye replacement. Even now, it would be a good idea to pick up any players who you will need in the future as a replace­ment, if you have room on your bench. If you feel unsatisfied with your team at this point, your best bet is to make trades or wish for some luck, and play the best players you can based on matchups.

With all of that said, here are some pickups you may consider for the upcom­ing week or weeks to help replace players. At the quarterback position, players you may want to pick up include Tim Tebow, Carson Palmer, John Beck and Christian Ponder, in that order, as they are all new options. At wide receiver, Darrius Hey­ward-Bey is a Raider I still believe in, even with the quarterback change, as Carson Palmer will be good for this team and may even be better for him than Jason Camp­bell. The Giants’s Victor Cruz had a poor showing last week, but he is still used and relied on in the offense. Based on their schedule, expect the Giants to pass more in the future.

If he’s available, Michael Crabtree could make a difference for the 49ers and your team, as he may be a more crucial part of the NFC West-leading offense the team boasts. Kevin Walter of the Texans is also a good option, especially with star wideout Andre Johnson injured and out for the rest of the year. Another player to consider is receiver Eric Decker of the Denver Broncos. If he was dropped or never picked up in your league, I think his stock is up considering his counter­part in Brandon Lloyd is out of Denver.

As for running backs, you may have a tough time finding a replacement at this point, but look at Delone Carter of the Colts with Addai out, Jackie Battle with Jamaal Charles out, Pierre Thomas and Marshawn Lynch.

For defense, pick up any of the follow­ing: Houston, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Washington, Buffalo or Oakland, if they are available. Cincinnati and San Fran­cisco may also be huge steals if they are still available, as they have been doing great thus far and they are on a bye.

Last, but not least, look for Fred Da­vis, Benjamin Watson, Heath Miller and Jared Cook at tight end.

If you are struggling, do not lose hope. There is still time to turn the season around.

Contact Albert Raminfard at [email protected].