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 Cassel, J.T. O’Sullivan and Matt Ryan first (in that order) – they’re all owned in more than 50% of leagues – and then move onto this list:
Gus Frerotte (32.3)
Since he took over as the starter, Frerotte is averaging 257 yards and 1.0 TD per game. He throws a few picks, but he’s a capable fantasy backup.
Marc Bulger (44.7)
We’re still holding out hope that Bulger could return to his glory days, but that seems to be a real longshot at this point. Still, things are looking up now that Scott Linehan is gone.
Jeff Garcia (41.8)
He isn’t flashy, and he probably isn’t going to have too many multiple-TD games, but he should be good for around 200 yards and a score each week, and that’s not bad for a backup.
JaMarcus Russell (40.9)
He posted 203 yards and a TD against a so-so Jets pass defense.
Brad Johnson (41.6)
His uninspired play against the Rams will have Cowboys management rushing Romo back asap.
Brady Quinn (13.4)
Doesn’t it feel like it’s almost the start of the Brady Quinn era in Cleveland?
Ryan Fitzpatrick (4.3)
He could post decent numbers with some good weapons around him.
Kerry Collins (23.6)
Dan Orlovsky (4.6)
This we know…the Lions will throw a lot because they’ll trail a lot.
Tyler Thigpen (0.2)
RUNNING BACKS
I would grab Sammy Morris, Deuce McAllister and Kevin Smith, in that order, because they look to have more long-term value. After that, I’d put Dominic Rhodes at about the same level as the top guy on this list. But there are a couple of finds out there on the usually thin RB waiver wire…
Mewelde Moore (34.2)
Willie Parker’s return date is unkown, so Moore is a RB2-caliber player as long as he’s starting.
Cedric Benson (18.1)
Benson was named the starter in Cincy, which means he’s worth a roster spot in most leagues. Maybe all he needs is a fresh start?
Derrick Ward (43.6)
Ward is probably the best backup in the league.
Benjarvus Green-Ellis (0.1)
With Sammy Morris’ knee in question, Green-Ellis would be the next guy in line.
Kevin Faulk (16.3)
In PPR leagues, Faulk is a spot starter, especially with Maroney gone for the season.
Maurice Morris (15.7)
He’s back and he’s splitting time with Julius Jones
Pierre Thomas (14.3)
Should see more carries with Reggie Bush out 2-4 weeks.
Kolby Smith (2.3)
Starting while Larry Johnson is out – will LJ miss more games?
Jamaal Charles (4.2)
More talented than Smith, but is still in a reserve role for the Chiefs.
At this point, you’re just hoping for a starter to go down…
Ahmad Bradshaw (35.9)
Ray Rice (21.3)
Ahman Green (22.3)
Leon Washington (26.6)
Michael Bush (20.9)
Shaun Alexander (17.2)
Fred Jackson (16.8)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Clearly, Derrick Mason and Devin Hester should be rostered. After that, there are a few other appealing guys on the waiver wire.
Antonio Bryant (40.7)
I’m a little worried about his production when Galloway gets back, but he’s certainly produced over the last five weeks (save for a clunker against Carolina).
Greg Camarillo (27.2)
He has caught at least four passes in each of the last five games. A PPR spot starter.
Antwaan Randle El (50.3)
Good guy to have in a PPR league.
Matt Jones (37.5)
Has scored in double figures in PPR leagues in four of six games.
Update: Jones has been suspended three games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Bobby Wade (12.2)
Why not? The guy is averaging 6-68-0 over the last four weeks. He’s worth a roster spot in PPR leagues.
Rashied Davis (10.3)
With Lloyd out and Hester nicked up, Davis might be the WR1 in Chicago. 13 catches over the last three weeks.
Donnie Avery (3.8)
9-138-1 over the last two weeks makes the rookie an interesting pickup.
Deion Branch (23.7)
He was productive for a quarter until he got hurt again. If healthy, he’s worth picking up.
Marty Booker (1.6)
He doesn’t have much long-term value, but with Lloyd out and Hester hobbled, he might be a nice one- or two-week fill in.
Mike Furrey (0.7)
6-89 the game after Roy Williams was traded? Is this a sign of things to come or will Furrey return to the role of WR2 in Detroit?
Josh Morgan (2.5)
After a 5-86-1 day, Morgan might be capitalizing on his considerable upside. The 49ers say that he’s going to continue to start.
Justin Gage (22.1)
If he can get healthy, he’s a WR3 in PPR leagues. But he can’t seem to get healthy.
Steve Smith (12.5)
22 catches over the past four weeks makes Smith a decent own in PPR leagues.
Amani Toomer (49.5)
Starting to take a back seat to Steve Smith?
Javon Walker (25.5)
Had a nice Week 7, and if healthy, he has some upside. But does anyone really think this is a sign of things to come?
Michael Jenkins (8.2)
10 catches in three weeks isn’t going to blow anyone’s skirt up, but he could be a spot starter in huge leagues.
Ted Ginn (23.0)
In PPR leagues, Ginn has had some value over the last four games. Spot starter at best.
Josh Reed (17.8)
Has caught at least three passes in every game this season. Whoopee!
Chris Henry (15.1)
With Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, are there three WRs Cincy worth owning?
TIGHT ENDS
If Greg Olsen, Donald Lee or Zach Miller are out there on your waiver wire, grab ‘em. If not, take a look at the list below:
John Carlson (45.2)
With Deion Branch still hobbled, Carlson is once again the first or second option in the Seattle passing game. Two TD in the last two weeks isn’t bad.
Todd Heap (48.9)
Starting to get more involved in the Baltimore passing attack.
Visanthe Shiancoe (41.8)
Playing pretty well since Frerotte took over.
Marcedes Lewis (35.5)
Two TD in the last two weeks.
Update: Steve Heiden (2.0)
With Kellen Winslow out this week, Heiden will have some value, especially in PPR leagues.
Billy Miller (7.3)
If Shockey misses more time, Miller will be the guy to fill in.
L.J. Smith (34.6)
Desmond Clark (7.6)
Clark continues to play an active role in the Bears’ passing attack.
Vernon Davis (46.4)
David Martin (11.1)
Worth a look in bigger leagues.
For those of you who sat through the Patriots’ 41-7 massacre of the Broncos on Monday night, you may have witnessed a man on a mission.
