Just about every fantasy league is in its final week of the playoffs, so I’m going to do a quick rundown of the guys available at each position. To qualify, players have to be available on the waiver wire of at least 50% of ESPN’s leagues. I’ll rank them in the order I’d pick them up in a league with a high-performance, PPR scoring system. And I’ll focus mainly on the player’s Week 16 matchup.
QUARTERBACKS
Shaun Hill (43.1)
Dan Orlovsky (2.9)
Mark Bulger (40.0)
JaMarcus Russell (23.5)
Ryan Fitzpatrick (6.1)
Seneca Wallace (6.1)
Tarvaris Jackson (5.4)
J.P. Losman (4.4)
Ken Dorsey (0.9)
RUNNING BACKS
Cedric Benson (36.5)
Maurice Morris (28.7)
DeShaun Foster (11.4)
Tatum Bell (36.5)
Tashard Choice (30.5)
P.J. Pope (0.2)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Deion Branch (25.4)
Davone Bess (32.8)
Devin Hester (50.5)
Domenik Hixon (38.9)
Steve Smith (18.6)
Dennis Northcutt (1.9)
Johnnie Lee Higgins (5.8)
Michael Jenkins (28.0)
Donnie Avery (47.0)
Justin Gage (37.8)
TIGHT ENDS
There isn’t much available in 50% of leagues, but Zach Miller (62.9) and John Carlson (57.8) are playing well and are solid PPR starts this week.
THINKING DEFENSIVELY (DTBWW)
Welcome to the world of Defensive Team By Waiver Wire (DTBWW). Each week, you pick up a defense, usually one playing at home against a bad offense. And each week, you get pretty good numbers out of your DT position. All teams are available in at least 40% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
I have moved this feature up from it’s normal slot in my Love ‘Em & Leave ‘Em feature because I realize that a lot of owners are playing the waiver wire right now trying to find a defense, so the earlier you can put your bids in the better. (I’d take the Dolphins first before moving onto the list.)
SEA (vs. NYJ)
CLE (vs. CIN)
Last week’s picks:
Patriots: 26 PA + 2 SK + 1 INT + 1 RET TD = 9 fantasy points
Redskins: 20 PA + 2 SK = 2 fantasy points
Follow the Scores Report editors on Twitter @clevelandteams and @bullzeyedotcom.
Thanks a ton for the Rhodes over White pick last week.
week 16 thoughts:
QB – warner or hill
I originaly thought Warner was lock, but cold and New england makes me think Hill going against rams is a better pick. Am I doing too much thinking?
WR (need to choose 1) Avant/curtis/bess/hixon/smith(giants)
curtis is who I have now and all the others are available to be picked up.
Merry Christmass
Kevin — Yes, you’re overthinking things. Warner is a good play against NE unless the weather is just absolutely awful. The Pats D isn’t that good this season. As for your WR position, Curtis is a fine pick.