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.
Please note that these rankings are for total value through the end of the year. Players with particularly good matchups this week are in bold.
QUARTERBACKS
I’d pick up Tyler Thigpen, Trent Edwards and Jeff Garcia ahead of Collins this week and Matt Hasselbeck after him, before moving on to the rest of the list:
Kerry Collins (36.5)
Over the last three weeks, Collins has averaged 254 passing yards and 2.0 TD per game.
Shaun Hill (25.3)
Hill has thrown for at least two TD in each of the last three games.
Gus Frerotte (30.7)
He has nice matchups in Week 14 and Week 15, which makes him a good QB2 for the playoffs.
Sage Rosenfels (24.0)
Joe Flacco (43.1)
Ryan Fitzpatrick (6.6)
JaMarcus Russell (24.1)
RUNNING BACKS
If Justin Fargas, Kevin Faulk or Leon Washington is available, they are worth consideration. I would grab Hillis and Morris first, however.
Peyton Hillis (48.7)
Hillis has posted 32 touches for 166 yards and three TD over the last two weeks. Not bad.
Maurice Morris (15.7)
Broke out with a big game against the Redskins and it looks like he is the RB1 in Seattle right now.
Pierre Thomas (35.8)
He was very involved in the Saints attack and looked much quicker and more effective than Deuce McAllister. But with Reggie Bush on the way back, his upside is somewhat limited.
Cedric Benson (45.7)
LeRon McClain (41.6)
Carnell Wiliiams (35.5)
Got some work in relief of RB1 Warrick Dunn. This role might grow to keep Dunn fresh.
Antonio Pittman (28.1)
Lorenzo Booker (0.6)
Might get the start if Westy can’t go.
Tatum Bell (25.8)
Ahman Green (23.8)
Ladell Betts (23.3)
Jamal Charles (22.5)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Steve Breaston, Ted Ginn, Isaac Bruce and Anthony Gonzalez are available in 30-40% of ESPN leagues. With Greg Camarillo out, I like Ted Ginn’s chances to produce over the stretch run.
Mark Bradley (24.1)
Bradley left Sunday’s game with a calf injury. Monitor that situation before committing too much.
Domenik Hixon (3.7)
If Burress misses time, Hixon should produce. He went for 6-57 this week and 4-102-1 back in Week 5.
Amani Toomer (34.3)
With Burress iffy, Toomer is the most dependable WR option for the Giants.
Devin Hester (40.5)
Michael Jenkins (29.9)
He just keeps churning out decent numbers in PPR leagues.
Davone Bess (0.4)
Bess is a deep sleeper who has posted 8-137 over the last two weeks. With Greg Camarillo out for the year, he could be a decent (albeit risky) play in PPR leagues.
Matt Jones (44.0)
Bryant Johnson (18.9)
Fourteen catches over the last four games is nothing to sneeze at.
Justin Gage (41.1)
Gage has been inconsistent, but he plays the Lions this week.
Ike Hilliard (18.1)
He has a nice matchup this week with the Saints.
Steve Smith (20.6)
He would get a bump if Burress misses time.
Antwaan Randle El (39.9)
TIGHT ENDS
If Kevin Boss is available, I’d pick him up if Keller isn’t available.
Dustin Keller (49.8)
Over the last three weeks, he has posted 20-236-1 and looks like a good TE start down the stretch. In fact, you might want to start him over some of these bigger-name guys that have been disappointing.
Heath Miller (49.3)
Zach Miller (46.8)
John Carlson (40.2)
Donald Lee (44.3)
Marcedes Lewis (24.0)
David Martin (15.6)
With Camarillo out, he may get more of the underneath stuff.
Desmond Clark (10.5)
Robert Royal (10.7)
After waxing division rival Chicago 37-3 two weeks ago, one could have made the argument that the Green Bay Packers were on the upswing in the NFC North. But after their brilliant performance Monday night in New Orleans (a 51-29 Saints victory), it would be tough for anyone outside of Green Bay to back the Packers right now.
