Every week, I highlight a few players that you should target in waivers. I’ll 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
1. Trent Edwards (34.9)
He’s averaging 227 yards and a TD through two games.
2. J.T. O’Sullivan (18.8)
He’s going to have his ups and downs, but O’Sully took a big step forward against the Seahawks.
3. Kerry Collins (10.4)
Collins represents an upgrade for the Titans’ passing game and it looks like he’ll continue to start as long as Tennessee is winning.
4. Chad Pennington (44.8)
5. Tarvaris Jackson (29.4)
6. Matt Ryan (43.5)
7. Brian Griese (2.7)
Looked solid in his ’08 debut, and nobody knows what’s going on between Gruden and Garcia.
8. Joe Flacco (14.8)
9. JaMarcus Russell (46.7)
10. Tyler Thigpen (0.2)
11. Kyle Orton (11.3)
RUNNING BACKS
1. Steve Slaton (50.4)
Will start if Ahman Green continues to miss time.
2. Darren Sproles (12.7)
Electrifying against the Broncos. A must-handcuff for LT2 owners.
3. Tim Hightower (26.5)
Two TDs in two games looks like a pattern.
4. Michael Pittman (19.4)
Pittman is the Broncos goal-line back. Worth rostering, especially in non-PPR leagues.
5. Warrick Dunn (17.4)
He’s splitting touches with Earnest Graham.
6. Andre Hall (29.4)
7. Derrick Ward (25.2)
Main ballcarrier behind Brandon Jacobs despite Ahmad Bradshaw’s big day.
8. Maurice Morris (36.7)
9. LaMont Jordan (16.9)
10. Michael Bush (6.1)
With both Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden nicked up, he’s the next option the Raiders have at RB.
11. Brandon Jackson (17.9)
12. Fred Jackson (6.5)
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Justin Gage (26.0)
I mentioned Gage as a sleeper on Friday, and he didn’t disappoint. He gets a big boost with Kerry Collins under center.
2. Muhsin Muhammad (43.1)
How will he fare when Steve Smith returns this week?
3. Bryant Johnson (42.6)
Seems to be taking over role of WR1 in San Francisco.
4. Chansi Stuckey (0.7)
The rookie’s line – six catches for 80 yards and two TD over the past two weeks – speaks for itself.
5. Antwaan Randle El (45.7)
6. Amani Toomer (39.6)
Just keeps on truckin’.
7. David Patten (38.5)
Decent start in PPR leagues while Marques Colston is out.
8. Ike Hilliard (6.5)
Steady and consistent part in Bucs’ offense. With Galloway hobbled by a sprained foot, Hilliard’s value is enhanced.
9. Matt Jones (16.2)
Two straight weeks of decent numbers in the PPR format. Is he coming into his own or will he disappear once Jerry Porter returns?
10. Ronald Curry (47.7)
JaMarcus Russell’s inability to throw the ball is really dragging down Curry’s value.
11. James Jones (9.8)
Value will skyrocket if Greg Jennings or Donald Driver were to go down.
12. Bobby Engram (41.6)
13. Deion Branch (17.1)
Branch and Engram are due back Week 5.
14. Kevin Walter (38.1)
15. James Hardy (21.7)
16. Hank Baskett (29.6)
17. Billy McMullen (0.1)
McMullen has some value in deep PPR leagues because he’s one of the few receivers the Seahawks have that is still standing.
TIGHT ENDS
1. John Carlson (8.0)
Six catches for 78 yards as Seattle’s most sure-handed receiver.
2. David Martin (1.6)
Eleven targets through two games is good for 7th best amongst tight ends.
3. Dante Rosario (32.3)
After eight targets in Week 1, Jake Delhomme targeted him just one time against the Bears in Week 2.
4. Anthony Fasano (49.8)
Nine targets in Week 1, zero in Week 2.
5. Randy McMichael (34.0)
6. Zach Miller (27.7)
JaMarcus Russell has been dreadful and it’s weighing on Miller’s stock.
7. Desmond Clark (10.2)
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
