Every week, I highlight a few players that you should target in waivers. I use the ESPN league data when filtering players, so the only players eligible for discussion here are those that are available on the waiver wire of at least 50% of ESPN’s leagues. I’ll list each player’s percentage-owned after their name so you have an idea of how available they are in leagues around the country. I’ll always try to mention a few players that are available in 90% of leagues for those of you in 12-team leagues or leagues with big rosters. I’ll rank them in the order I’d pick them up in a league with a high-performance, PPR scoring system.
QUARTERBACKS
I’d grab Trent Edwards, Matt Schaub, David Garrard and Derek Anderson first, but if they’re gone…
1. Matt Ryan (47.0)
At this point, I’d take the rookie (who is wise beyond his years) over anyone else on this list. Beware – he has a bye this week.
2. Brad Johnson (0.5)
He’ll take over for the next three games in Dallas. He’s a vet and a pro, so expect capable production with a good set of weapons to throw to.
3. Jeff Garcia (18.0)
175 passing yards and a TD every week seems about right. He has a good matchup this week.
4. JaMarcus Russell (45.4)
Erratic arm with upside. He has a nice matchup this week.
5. Marc Bulger (49.7)
Where is the Bulger of old? (Torry Holt wants to know.)
6. Chad Pennington (41.5)
7. Gus Frerotte (25.3)
8. Kerry Collins (22.1)
9. Joe Flacco (13.9)
10. Seneca Wallace (0.3)
11. Brodie Croyle (4.8)
12. Ryan Fitzpatrick (1.4)
RUNNING BACKS
If Correll Buckhalter, Tim Hightower and Michael Pittman are gone, go for these guys…
1. Warrick Dunn (48.8)
Dunn’s touches grew when the team moved Graham to fullback this weekend (due to injuries). Keep an eye on this situation this week. He’s roster worthy, especially in PPR leagues.
2. Dominic Rhodes (11.9)
As long as Joseph Addai is missing time with a bad hammy, Rhodes is a starter quality fantasy back.
3. Kevin Faulk (10.0)
In PPR leagues, Faulk has good value as long as Laurence Maroney is out.
4. Ray Rice (21.8)
McGahee is nicked up (again) and LeRon McClain only had three touches against Indy. Is it Ray Rice’s time to shine?
5. Cedric Benson (17.8)
Given the way Cincy has handled Kenny Watson (cutting him then re-signing him last week) it would appear Benson is the best bet to take over for Chris Perry if he gets bench (and there are rumors he will be).
6. Derrick Ward (35.0)
7. Ryan Torain (11.4)
He won’t be back for a couple of weeks, and when he does return, there’s no telling how Mike Shanahan will use him. We know one thing – he was on his way to a steady workload before he got injured.
8. Fred Jackson (16.4)
9. Mewelde Moore (41.0)
10. Ahman Green (24.4)
11. Maurice Morris (18.2)
12. Kenny Watson (16.5)
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Devin Hester (36.6)
He’s starting to look like a real NFL WR. He’s averaging 4.7-60-0.7 over the last three weeks.
2. Antwaan Randle El (46.3)
He’s capitalizing on all the attention Santana Moss is getting.
3.,Greg Camarillo (14.0)
Worth a roster spot in PPR leagues. Probably the top WR in Miami. (Certainly the most consistent.)
4. Kevin Walter (42.1)
He gets consistent looks and the Texans are often in shootouts.
5. Steve Breaston (42.0)
Continues to thrive with Anquan Boldin out.
6. Justin Gage (25.1)
If he could ever stay healthy, Gage would be a terror in PPR leagues.
7. Deion Branch (33.6)
8. Matt Jones (38.7)
9. Brandon Stokley (33.2)
Keep an eye on that injury. Value is hurt when Royal returns.
10. Rashied Davis (2.8)
As long as Brandon Lloyd is out, Davis is a sleeper in the Bears’ surprisingly good passing attack.
11. Steve Smith (11.8)
Smith is averaging 6-60 over the last three weeks. He’s not usurping Amani Toomer as WR2 in NYG, but things are getting close.
12. Ike Hilliard (46.5)
Bad week is probably an aberration.
13. Chansi Stuckey (36.7)
Zero catches last week.
14. Michael Jenkins (8.3)
Complementary receiver is catching 3-4 passes a game.
15. Josh Reed (25.8)
Bye week fodder for larger PPR leagues.
16. Donte Stallworth (39.9)
He’s playing again. That’s a start.
17. Kevin Curtis (47.3)
On his way back, but what will be his role?
18. Hank Baskett (33.0)
19. Brandon Lloyd (45.2)
He was on fire before the injury, but there’s no return in sight.
20. Robert Meachem (46.9)
21. Bryant Johnson (40.6)
TIGHT ENDS
1. Zach Miller (46.3)
8-141-1 over the past two weeks ain’t bad.
2. Bo Scaife (44.7)
I spent all week daydreaming about the 7-72 he posted before the Titans’ bye.
3. John Carlson (43.0)
He has already had an up and down season, but looks to be a Charlie Frye favorite. Woo hoo!
4. Vernon Davis (51.1)
6-75 against the blitz-happy Philly? Is this a sign of things to come or just an aberration? Two catches (total) in the previous four games indicates the latter.
5. L.J. Smith (36.9)
6. Donald Lee (47.9)
7. Marcedes Lewis (18.7)
Two TD in the last two weeks. Is Lewis finally capitalizing on all that talent?
8. Visanthe Shiancoe (38.9)
A quiet week brings a decent run to an end.
9. Alex Smith (10.8)
Occasionally catches a TD and has caught at least two passes in all but one game this season.
10. Dustin Keller (30.2)
A Favre favorite near the goal line, Keller had a TD taken away last week due to a penalty. Doh!
11. Dante Rosario (21.0)
12. Ben Utecht (13.6)
4-34 against the Jets.
13. Alge Crumpler (34.2)
Why isn’t he posting better numbers?
14. Kevin Boss (31.7)
15. Billy Miller (5.1)
He’s a decent fill in as long as Jeremy Shockey is out.
The Big Question: How long will this rebuilding job take?
