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Week 4 Waiver Wire
Here are some guys you should have added last week. But on the off chance that they are still available in your (bush) league, go grab them now:
QB Kevin Kolb (PHI): It is still unclear how much longer QB Donovan McNabb will be out, but Kolb has shown that he can play. Now that bye weeks are hitting, he is a very serviceable option.
RB LeSean McCoy (PHI): He will perform very well any time RB Brian Westbrook is out. And it only took 2 games for that to happen.
RB Tashard Choice (DAL): He did well this week with RB Marion Barber out. And now that RB Felix Jones is also hurting, he could end up getting a lot of touches.
WR Pierre Garcon (IND): With WR Anthony Gonzalez out with a knee injury, Garcon has stepped in and been very productive.
WR Johnny Knox (CHI): He seems to be Cutler’s favorite target, making him worthy of a WR3 play in most leagues.
WR Mike Sims-Walker (JAX): After disappointing me with a zero catch performance in week 1 after I touted him as a sleeper, he has performed pretty well in weeks 2 and 3. He seems to be the No. 1 option in JAX at WR.
WR Julian Edelman (NE): As long as WR Wes Welker is out with injury, Edelman makes a solid play as a WR3.
TE Brent Celek (PHI): I added this guy in two of my leagues last week. He is currently the 2nd best TE in fantasy. But for some reason, he was still available.
And here are some names of guys who you should add to your roster this week:
RB Glenn Coffee (SF): It sounds like RB Frank Gore is going to miss a few weeks. Coffee should be a great fill-in.
RB Fred Taylor (NE): He seems to have emerged as the main RB in NE — at least for one week. It’s hard to trust him, but he’s definitely worth a roster spot given injuries and bye week issues that are likely to hit soon enough.
WR Kevin Walter (HOU): After missing the first 2 games, Walter came back and had 7 catches for 98 yards and a TD in week 3. He is a very solid WR3 play and he is probably available in many leagues due to his whiteness and his injuries.
WR Nate Washington (TEN): Not a ton of yards, but in 2 games he has 2 TDs.
WR Kelley Washington (BAL): He has picked up the slack and emerged as the WR2 in BAL.
Week 2 Waiver Wire
Here are some names to consider adding to your roster if they are available in your league:
QB Trent Edwards (BUF): He has OL issues, but he also has weapons. A solid backup.
QB Joe Flacco (BAL): Flacco looked sharper than expected in his first action of 2009. He could surprise some people this year.
RB Cedric Benson (CIN): He is the main ball carrier in CIN. Which is worth something.
RB Mike Bell (NO): His value depends on the health of RB Pierre Thomas, who could be back as soon as this week. But if Thomas misses any more time, Bell is a good short-term fix.
RB Michael Bush (OAK): The Raiders love to run the ball, and Bush looked pretty good against SD. He is in a RBBC with RB Darren McFadden, but he appears to be the goal line RB.
RB Cadillac Williams (TB): I love Cadillac for coming back from not one, but two patella tendon injuries and still looking like a real NFL RB. But I hate the fact that this means I will have to deal with awful car-related puns and jokes all season.
RB Tim Hightower (ARI): Hightower fell in drafts and even went undrafted in many leagues due to concerns that RB Beanie Wells would steal his carries. But ARI used him extensively, especially in the passing game, in week 1.
WR Chaz Schilens (OAK): Schilens probably will not be back this week, but he could be back next week. I think he has the potential to be a solid WR3 once he works his way back into game-shape.
WR Kenny Britt (TEN): Britt made a pretty good showing in week 1 for a TEN team that threw the ball surprisingly well.
WR Steve Smith (NYG): Smith is a solid possession WR that should get consistent looks — he had 8 in week 1 — but likely will never have a blow up game.
WR Justin Gage (TEN): Yeah. Two TEN WRs. Who knew? Gage had 7 catches for 78 yards and a TD in week 1.
WR Austin Collie (IND): Collie should get quite a few more looks with WR Anthony Gonzalez sidelined.
TE Jeremy Shockey (NO): After having zero TDs last year, Shockey had 2 TDs in week 1. I think he will have a solid year.
TE Zach Miller (OAK): Based on the game against SD, QB Jamarcus Russell, Miller could get a lot of looks. Which might even turn into a few catches.
TE Brent Celek (PHI): As expected, Celek was a big part of the passing game in PHI. If McNabb is out for any extended period of time, Celek could become even more valuable, as any backup QB will likely look for an outlet.
Did I forget anyone? Probably. But this is good enough for now.
[Pre]Week 1 Watch List
Here are some guys to keep an eye on as the season starts:
QB Mark Sanchez (NYJ): Will he follow in the footsteps of QB Matt Ryan and post respectable numbers? Or will he struggle and sit on the waiver wire all year?
QB Matt Stafford (DET): Stafford was (not surprisingly) named the starter over QB Daunte Culpepper. Although the DET OL is not great, Stafford does have WR Calvin Johnson to throw the ball to. But I suspect he will also throw the ball to the other team quite a few times.
RB James Davis (CLE): Davis is available in many leagues, and could get a significant amount of touches in CLE. RB Jamal Lewis will likely start the season at RB, but I expect Davis to get some carries and eventually take over.
RB Willie Parker (PIT): Allegedly, he is the starter, the full-time RB, and the goal line back. Does any of this matter? It could. FWP is on the downside of his career, but he is not quite done yet. The PIT OL is suspect, but they do like to run the ball. If FWP can stay healthy, he is a great value.
RB Michael Bush (OAK): Bush is a very talented RB, but is stuck in a RBBC in OAK with RB Darren McFadden and RB Justin Fargas. If Bush could get more touches, he could be productive. But we will have to wait and see how they use him.
RB Jamaal Charles (KC): Many expect a (slight) resurgence of RB Larry Johnson this season. Which could happen. But given his past, I am not all that confident. Which means Charles could be in a position to get some extra touches. Especially if KC is losing and has to throw the ball often.
WR Chris Henry (CIN): He caught a TD in each preseason game. I know it is only preseason, but I am excited about Henry. Let’s see what he can do when it counts.
WR Marko Mitchell (WAS): I wrote about this super-duper-hella-deep sleeper a week or so ago. And he has not shaken that status yet. But he could end up being productive, if the other WRs in WAS cannot get the job done. Keep an eye on him as the season goes along.
TE Anthony Fasano (MIA): Fasano had a solid year in 2008, and now he is no longer sharing time with TE David Martin, who was placed on IR. He could increase his yardage totals, although I would be surprised if he matched or exceeded last year’s TD total.
TE Jermichael Finley (GB): Finley was a focal point of the GB offense in the preseason. But he is still listed as the backup behind TE Donald Lee. Either way, the guy is super-talented and creates mismatches when he is in the game. So I expect GB will find ways to get him involved.
Week 13: Waiver Wire
The playoffs are right around the corner, so it is time to make some moves to set yourself up for a championship run.
When the playoffs are close, I like to adjust my strategy. Earlier in the year, I like to pick up some flyers (i.e. “sleepers”) and see if they work out and can help my team win some games. But later in the year, I usually avoid taking those chances. Not only are most so-called “sleepers” already on someone else’s roster, but the potential value is outweighed by the opportunity costs associated with losing a roster spot you could otherwise use for depth.
So, when the playoffs are near, I usually try to add the real-life backup to my key players. For example, I have Marion Barber in one league, so I am going to add his backup, Tashard Choice. If Barber happens to get hurt, Choice should perform fairly well in his place, which means my chances of winning in the playoffs are not completely destroyed, even though I lost my best player.
By now, your rosters should be set up pretty well, but here are some names to consider adding if they are available in your league:
QB Tyler Thigpen (KC): I have talked about him before and he continues to play well.
RB Warrick Dunn (TB): Starter RB Earnest Graham is gone for the year, and Dunn performed well in his absence last week. He could be a good option going forward.
RB Peyton Hillis (DEN): Even with RB Tatum Bell in the mix, it was Hillis who got most of the yards and the TD. He should do well enough down the stretch to warrant a roster spot, and is worth a start against weaker defenses.
RB Darren McFadden (OAK): In his first real action back since his toe injuries kept him sidelined, McFadden scored 2 TDs. Although RB Justin Fargas got more carries and more yards, McFadden was definitely involved.
RB Kevin Faulk (NE): It is tough to predict who will do well in New England, but Faulk remains involved enough in the passing game to make him worth a roster spot.
RB Leon Washington (NYJ): He does not get many carries, but he is explosive and is a threat to score each game. Add him, but be judicious with when you put him in your lineup.
WR Mark Bradley (KC): I have talked up Bradley before in this space, and he continues to perform pretty well in KC. WR Dwayne Bowe is still the main guy, and TE Tony Gonzalez is always involved, but Bradley still gets enough looks to be worth a roster spot.
WR Ted Ginn (MIA): The Dolphins lost WR Greg Camarillo for the year, which means Ginn should get more looks.
WR Davone Bess (MIA): See Ginn, Ted.
TE Kevin Boss (NYG): After posting zero catches last week, he came through this week with another TD (giving him 4 in his last 5 games). Considering last week was against the Ravens, we will give him a pass. He should do well down the stretch.
TE John Carlson (SEA): Although he has not looked that great, QB Matt Hasselbeck is back, which does improve the value of Carlson.
Week 11: Waiver Wire
Here are some players you should consider adding to your roster if they are available in your league:
QB Joe Flacco (BAL): Flacco has played very well over the past 4 weeks, throwing for 6 TDs and zero INTs. His matchups get a little tougher, with the Giants and Ealges up next, but he is still worth a roster spot given how well he has been throwing the ball.
QB Tyler Thigpen (KC): Thigpen has thrown for 6 TDs and zero INTs over his past three games, and faces some pretty easy pass defenses at the end of the season.
QB Brady Quinn (CLE): Quinn played pretty well in his debut against the Broncos. Do not get too excited, though. The Broncos are awful against the pass. But he did look sharp, and is worth a roster spot if you need depth at QB. I would not expect him to be your starter, though. He has a pretty tough schedule ahead of him.
QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA): After missing most of this season with a knee injury, Hasselbeck is expected to return to the lineup this week. ALthough the Seahawks are struggling in general this year, Hasselbeck could be an option if you are struggling to find a QB.
RB Kevin Smith (DET): It looks like the Lions’ coaches finally realized what everyone else seemed to know already: Smith is a better option than RB Rudi Johnson. If he continues to get 20+ carries, he could be a serviceable RB2 going forward. But do not get too excited; he faces Carolina, Tampa Bay, Tennesee, and Minnesota in his next four games.
RB Peyton Hillis (DEN): Someone has to run the ball in Denver, right? Torain, Pittman, and Hall are all on IR. And RB Selvin Young is still struggling with a groin injury. The Broncos signed RB Alex Haynes this week, but it is not clear if he will be ready to go this weekend. I think Hillis will continue to be involved either way.
RB Julius Jones (SEA): Jones appears to be the main RB in Seattle (at least for the time being), getting 16 carries compared to only 1 for RB Maurice Morris. Jones could give you some RB depth going forward, but do not expect too much from him, although the return of QB Matt Hasselbeck could certainly improve his stock.
RB Dominic Rhodes (IND): Although RB Joseph Addai is back in the lineup, it is clear that Rhodes is still going to be involved. He had 7 carries (Addai had 12) against the Steelers, and he 2 passes for 24 yards and a TD. He is not going to be a starter for you, but if you are looking for depth, you could do a lot worse.
WR Mark Bradley (KC): Since arriving in Kansas City, Bradley has increased his yardage totals each week. And he has scored 2 TDs. I think QB Tyler Thigpen — who is playing pretty well himself — might have found another WR to throw to other than WR Dwayne Bowe.
WR Michael Jenkins (ATL): After catching 2 TDs last week, Jenkins caught 6 balls for 72 yards against the Saints. If you need a WR — even if just for next week, when Jenkins faces Denver — consider adding Jenkins, who appears to be developing a report with QB Matt Ryan.
TE Kevin Boss (NYG): Boss had his best game of the year against the Eagles, and has scored a TD in three straight games. Manning seems to be gaining trust in the second-year TE. He could be solid over the last few games of the fantasy season, although the Giants have a tough matchup next week against the Ravens.
TE Billy Miller (NO): Over the past 5 games, Miller is averaging 63 yards. Much of this is because RB Jeremey Shockey has been out, but Shockey is not a very popular guy in New Orleans these days, and he may have suffered an ankle injury last game. Consider adding Miller if you need help at TE,
TE Tony Scheffler (DEN): He finally returned from a groin injury last week and ended up with 92 yards. Someone in your leauge might have dropped him, since he has been out for a few weeks. See if he is available.
Week 10: Waiver Wire
QB Sage Rosenfels (HOU): Starter QB Matt Schaub (knee) is out 2-4 weeks. Rosenfels is a much better fantasy QB than he is a real QB. He kills his team with turnovers, but usually has enough yards and TDs to make him a worthwhile fantasy start. If you have Schaub (or if you just need QB help), consider adding him — but know that he is only a short-term fix, and probably not worth a start this week against Baltimore.
QB Tyler Thigpen (KC): Thigpen has been playing pretty well lately. Although you should not count on him catching a TD pass every week, you can likely count on him throwing 1 or 2 and posting some solid yardage totals. Although he looked awful early in the season, he looks somewhat comfortable now. And given how poor the Chiefs defense is, he will be called upon to throw the ball a lot.
QB Brady Quinn (CLE): Quinn was officially named the starter and will replace QB Derek Anderson in the lineup on Thursday against the Broncos. Although it is very tough to recommend starting a guy like Quinn in his first real action, the Broncos to present a very favorable matchup, and Quinn does have weapons in WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow. However, Quinn is unproven, and the Browns schedule is not very friendly over the remainder of th season. Grab him if you like to gamble, but there are probably safer options.
RB Cedric Benson (CIN): Benson (finally) looked good this week, posting his first 100-yard game in a very long time. I am not too bullish on him, but he is the starting RB in Cincy, so he is probably worth a roster spot. I would not play him, though, unless he has a very favorable matchup. Note that he is on a bye in week 10, though.
RB Jamaal Charles (KC): Charles went from relatively obscurity to the starter in KC in just over a couple of weeks. With RB Kolby Smith on IR and RB Larry Johnson having issues with the NFL Conduct Policy, Charles could be in line for some significant work. He had 18 carries and 109 yards against a pretty tough Tampa Bay defense last week, and should get all the carries again this week. Add him if he is available.
RB Tim Hightower (ARI): I wrote last week about how Hightower might begin to steal carries from RB Edgerrin James, but I will fully admit that I did not expect it to be this abrupt. In week 9, Hightower was the starter and James did not see the field. If Hightower is available, grab him now. He is a definite start against weaker matchups, and could easily turn into a solid RB2 down the stretch.
RB Ray Rice (BAL): Rice was called upon to replace starter RB Willis McGahee last week and ran the ball 21 times for 154 yards, including a 60-yard run. I like Rice quite a bit, but he has always been held back (for fantasy purposes) by McGahee. However, given the fact that McGahee cannot seem to stay healthy, Rice makes a good addition to any roster. Just know that he will not be reliable every week. But when McGahee is out, he is a must-start unless he is up against a very poor matchup.
RB Kevin Smith (DET): Although he was “benched” earlier in the year, it is clear that the Lions still consider him a better option than RB Rudi Johnson. He is no fantasy stud, but he should continue to be involved enough to make him worth a bench spot on your team. He is worthy of a start against good matchups.
RB Ryan Torain (DEN): The Broncos might have to rely on Torain this week. RB Michael Pittman and RB Andre Hall are both on IR. And RB Selvin Young is still recovering from a groin injury. Which means Torain should get quite a few carries. He is still working his way back into football shape after missing the entire first half of the season, but he should get his opportunities. Grab him if he is still out there.
WR Rashied Davis (CHI): Over the past 4 weeks, Davis is averaging about 4.5 catches, 50 yards, and 0.5 TDs per game. These are not outrageous numbers, but he is fairly consistent and seems to have emerged as the top WR in Chicago. It is worth noting that WR Brandon Lloyd will return to the lineup soon, which may impact Davis’ production. But he is probably still worth adding to your roster if you need WR help.
WR Brandon Lloyd (CHI): Lloyd was expected to return to the lineup last week, but once again missed the game with a knee injury. However, he should be back either this week or next week, and once he returns, he should be involved in the passing game. WR Rashied Davis has stepped up in his absence, but Lloyd should have some opportunities when he gets back on the field. If you can afford to stash him on your bench for another week or so, add him now. He has some good long-term value.
Week 9: Waiver Wire
Here are some players to consider as you try to deal with bye weeks, injuries, and/or your team simply not performing as planned:
QB Matt Ryan (ATL): Ryan is still available in many leagues, I suspect, despite playing pretty well this year. If he is still out there, now might be a good time to add him to your roster. Over the next 6 weeks, he plays New Orleans (twice), Denver, and San Diego, who all give up a ton of yards through the air.
RB Kevin Faulk (NE): Faulk is typically used only as a 3rd down RB in New England, but due to injuries, he was used as a regular RB this past week, and had a fair amount of success (107 total yards, 1 TD).
RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis (NE): He started this past week against St. Louis, but was not very effective. As a result, the Pats turned to RB Kevin Faulk (see above). I think the Pats will use Green-Ellis and Faulk together as long as RB Sammy Morris and RB LaMont Jordan are injured, but it is hard to say who will have the better value. Keep in mind, though, that the Pats play the Colts (and their below-average run defense) in week 9.
RB Fred Jackson (BUF): Jackson has been getting a fair amount of work this year, average just over 9.5 touches and around 50 yards per game. These are not numbers to get overly excited about, but if you are desperate for RB depth, he is a guy who is likely on waivers and will offer some help. And keep in mind that the Bills will likely run the ball more and more as the weather gets worse.
RB Ryan Torain (DEN): Yeah, if you have been to this site before, you knew this was coming. I love this kid. And I think he will be the starter in Denver for the rest of the year, beginning either this week or next week. He has not played yet this year, so it may take him a week or two before he is in game shape, but I think he will be a worthwhile RB2 going forward. Denver has a very powerful offense and he should get 15-20 carries per game, if he is the starter. I already added him in my league. If you have room on your bench, I suggest you do the same.
WR Donnie Avery (STL): I think this kid is for real. He has put up pretty good numbers over the past three games (14 catches, 291 yards, and 2 TDs), but more importantly, he just looks very good playing the game. He has made some very nice adjustments to passes that other WRs might not have caught. And he has great speed. After being fairly quiet to start the year, I think he will be a good option over the final half of the season.
WR Brandon Lloyd (CHI): Lloyd has missed the past 3 games due to a knee injury, but was back on the practice field this week and should be ready to play in week 9. He had one big game in week 3, before injuring his knee in week 4. Do not expect too much, but the Bears are moving the ball surprisingly well through the air, so he could become a valuable WR3 down the stretch.
WR Nate Washington (PIT): Washington only caught one pass on Sunday, but predictably it resulted in a long TD. Washington has three long TD catches in the past three weeks, making him a somewhat attractive option at WR3. However, he only had 1 catch this week and 2 the week before, and I usually try to steer clear of WRs who are feast-or-famine (e.g. Devery Henderson). But Roethlisberger was under heavy pressure against the Giants, and should have more time to throw in the coming weeks.
TE Martellus Bennett (DAL): Bennett is on the waiver wire list and my watch list, because his value all depends on the injury status of TE Jason Witten (ribs). If Witten misses any time, Bennett should step into the starting lineup and could perform fairly well (at least when QB Tony Romo returns), meaing you should add him. But if Witten continues to play, despite his ribs, then Bennett does not have much value.
Week 8: Waiver Wire
Here are some guys you might want to add if they are still available in your league:
QB Kyle Orton (CHI): Although his past few games have been against some easy defenses, he has looked good. And he should continue to do well enough to warrant a roster spot.
QB Gus Frerotte (MIN): Frerotte has been playing well and is worth a start against easy matchups.
QB Jeff Garcia (TB): Garcia had a huge game against the Seahawks (who are awful), but is worth a roster spot going forward. He does not make many mistakes and is a good bye week fill in.
RB Ryan Torain (DEN): I expect him to be the starter by week 9 or week 10 in Denver. Shanahan compared him to former Broncos RB Terrell Davis. Tough to predict, but I expect big things. Worth the risk.
RB Mewelde Moore (PIT): Rumors are Willie Parker should be back to practice this week, but given how many setbacks he’s had, I would add Moore if you need help this week. He has done well in place of Parker.
RB Pierre Thomas (NO): With Bush out for a month or so, someone has to split time with McAllister. And I think it will be Thomas, who has done fairly well in spot-duty over the past two years.
RB Cedric Benson (CIN): He is not great, but he is the starter in Cincy. And he wil get most of the carries. Which means he is worth owning.
WR Mike Furrey (DET): With Roy E. Williams in Detroit, Furrey steps into the starting lineup. He is definitely worth a roster spot in PPR leagues. But is also good depth in most other leagues.
WR Malcom Floyd (SD): He has played very well while Chris Chambers has been out, and should continue to be involved even after Chambers gets back.
WR Josh Morgan (SF): He had a great preseason, but was slowed by a staph infection. But last week, in his first start of the year, he had 5 catches for 89 yards and a TD. Mike Martz loves to throw the ball, so he could work out pretty well. It might be worth noting that Morgan was the college teammate of Eddie Royal, another rookie WR who is playing very well.
WR Donnie Avery (STL): Speaking of rookies, Avery (the first rookie WR drafted in 2008) has been performing very well lately. And now that the Rams are winning games, they are worth owning.
WR Kevin Curtis (PHI): After missing the first part of the season with a sports hernia, Curtis is finally scheduled to return this week. I do not expect too much from him right away, but he and McNabb did seem to have some chemistry last year.
TE Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN): He will not put up a ton of yards, but he does have 3 TDs in his last 5 games (all with Gus Frerotte at QB). TEs are very hit-and-miss this year. But Shinacoe is doing pretty well — in fact, he is the 6th highest scoring TE. But note that he is on a bye this week.
Fantasy Funk 