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
A couple of (increasingly) solid names still linger on the waiver wire in half of ESPN’s leagues.
1.Trent Edwards (51.3)
Edwards has been as solid as they come – at least 215 passing yards and a TD in the first three games. And he has great matchups in three of the next four games.
2. J.T. O’Sullivan (45.0)
O’Sully (as I call him) has thrown for a combined 510 yards and three TD over the last two weeks. Moreover, he doesn’t really have a tough matchup until after his bye, in Week 9.
3. Matt Ryan (43.9)
Has yet to eclipse the 200-yard passing mark, but has thrown two TD on the season.
4. Kerry Collins (17.7)
He’s averaging 159 yards and a score over the last two games. As long as the Titans keep winning, Collins will be the QB.
5. Brian Griese (6.9)
6. Chad Pennington (42.1)
7. Gus Frerotte (11.6)
8. Brady Quinn (8.3)
It’s time to start thinking about the possibility of Quinn taking over in Cleveland. The Browns schedule has been brutal so far, so there’s a chance that whoever is QB’ing the Browns in a month could look a lot better than what’s going on right now.
9. JaMarcus Russell (41.2)
10. Kyle Orton (10.8)
11. Joe Flacco (17.2)
12. Tyler Thigpen (1.6)
RUNNING BACKS
The RB position is always thin, but there are several guys splitting time that could bust out if their backfield partner were to miss extended time.
1. Correll Buckhalter (5.6)
Brian Westbrook’s MRI on his ankle came back negative, but Buckhalter could have some serious short-term value if Westy misses any time.
2. Pierre Thomas (24.2)
Thomas continues to be the Saints’ short-yardage back.
3. Derrick Ward (24.1)
Does anyone else think that Ward is the best RB on the Giants roster?
4. Le”Ron McClain (5.6)
Big, brusing back is getting the carries that were supposed to go to Ray Rice.
5. Michael Bush (21.3)
Will continue to be productive as long as Fargas and/or McFadden miss time.
6. Warrick Dunn (23.7)
7. Michael Pittman (40.3)
Denver’s goal-line back has value.
8. T.J. Duckett (7.2)
If Maurice Morris continues to miss, Duckett may see increased work.
9. Tim Hightower (38.7)
10. Leon Washington (37.5)
11. Brandon Jackson (30.9)
12. Ladell Betts (29.8)
13. Andre Hall (29.5)
14. Dominic Rhodes (20.4)
He looks spry, so if Joseph Addai were to go down, watch out.
15. LaMont Jordan (15.0)
16. Fred Jackson (10.4)
17. Jamaal Charles (6.4)
WIDE RECEIVERS
There are some roster-worthy names here, especially in PPR leagues. Injuries are opening up opportunities for some decent players.
1. Bobby Engram (40.2)
He should be coming back in Week 5. There’s no telling how his old body will respond, but the Seahawks are desperate for help.
2. Justin Gage (33.8)
Gage should be solid in PPR leagues if he can get healthy.
3. Ike Hilliard (12.8)
Hilliard should be owned in all PPR leagues. He has been steady.
4. Brandon Lloyd (8.0)
Lloyd has two pretty good games in a row, which is a record for him.
5. Chansi Stuckey (16.6)
The rookie doesn’t get a ton of targets, but he makes the most of them.
6. Antonio Bryant (9.6)
With Galloway out, Bryant should shine as the Bucs only viable deep threat.
7. Amani Toomer (42.8)
8. Muhsin Muhammad (42.3)
His performance against a shaky Minnesota secondary is worrisome.
9. Antwaan Randle El (46.8)
10. Hank Baskett (34.1)
11. Lance Moore (0.2)
12. Kevin Walter (37.7)
13. Robert Meachem (24.9)
14. Matt Jones (24.2)
15. Josh Reed (1.2)
PPR league spot starter.
16. Greg Camarillo (0.6)
PPR league spot starter. Sound familiar?
17. Mark Clayton (18.7)
18. Billy McMullen (0.4)
The best Seattle has at the moment, but the cavalry is on its way.
19. Justin McCareins (2.0)
He’s a decent option in PPR leagues as long as Justin Gage is hobbled.
20. Steve Smith (11.0)
21. Laurent Robinson (1.5)
22. Jordy Nelson (1.3)
23. Brandon Stokley (13.1)
24. Jabar Gaffney (24.8)
TIGHT ENDS
With John Carlson, L.J. Smith and Anthony Fasano above the 50% owned mark, the pickings are getting slim on the waiver wire.
1. Bo Scaife (27.3)
Scaife continues to be the Titans best TE threat.
2. Kevin Boss (34.2)
Boss finally broke into the box score with a 3-51-1 day. Is this an abberation or a sign of things to come?
3. Dustin Keller (12.6)
The rookie had a nice game against SD.
4. Greg Olsen (44.3)
5. Randy McMichael (34.8)
6. Dante Rosario (34.8)
Week 1 hero has quieted down considerably.
7. Desmond Clark (11.6)
8. Robert Royal (34.8)
Trent Edwards likes him, but he won’t always produce.
9. Visanthe Shiancoe (1.2)
Could Shiancoe bust out with Gus Frerrote under center?
Bill Ford Jr. finally said publicly what he has told people privately for some time now: He would like to see Matt Millen fired.
Week 4 is upon is…