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 player or two that are available in 90% of leagues for those of you in 12-team leagues or leagues with big rosters.
QUARTERBACKS
Jeff Garcia (28.6) was QB19 last season, which isn’t great, but it’s solid enough to earn a roster spot. Plus, his early schedule is pretty easy and he doesn’t have a tough passing matchup until Week 7, when the Bucs face the Seahawks… Chad Pennington (13.2) leads a pretty bad Miami team that should be trailing most of the time. The Dolphins do have a decent running game and an up-and-coming receiver (Ted Ginn), so Pennington has a few weapons to work with… J.T. O’Sullivan (10.3) is worth a flier (and a roster spot) in bigger leagues just because of the upside of playing in Mike Martz’s offense… Joe Flacco (2.7) was just named the starter in Baltimore, so if you’re desperate at QB, at least he’s a starter.
RUNNING BACKS
Steve Slaton (28.1) is worth a roster spot in most leagues. Ahman Green is semi-healthy, but Slaton figures to see some time even with Green in the starting role. He’s speedy and slight, but if he earns a larger role, he can help fantasy owners… Andre Hall (9.8) should get some goal line carries since Selvin Young isn’t really built for short yardage work. Hall is a good way to make a small gamble on the Denver running game, which is always very productive. If Young falters, Hall is next in line… Antonio Pittman (1.4) is Steven Jackson’s backup, and with Jackson’s holdout, there’s a decent chance that he’ll miss some time with injury this season. Pittman stands to benefit the most if that were to happen.
WIDE RECEIVERS
DeSean Jackson (48.4), Vincent Jackson (47.9) and Ronald Curry (35.9) should all be rostered in most leagues. DeSean Jackson may not start, but Donovan McNabb likes to spread the ball around and Jackson has already earned a prominent role in the slot. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Chargers use V. Jackson. Is Chris Chambers truly WR1 in San Diego or will Jackson make a push this season? Ronald Curry is the best that JaMarcus Russell has to throw to in the Raider passing game… Eddie Royal (13.9) is a rookie, but he’s listed as the starter opposite Brandon Marshall, so he should have a productive season… Chris Henry (12.6) would become a solid WR2 (as solid as Henry can be, anyway) if Chad Johnson’s shoulder becomes a problem… Justin Gage (12.4) is a sleeper in bigger PPR leagues. He can make the tough catch in traffic and the Titans are hurting for playmakers in the passing game… The Eagles plan to start Hank Baskett (2.2) at split end, so he will have the opportunity to make a name for himself.
TIGHT END
L.J. Smith (25.0) isn’t getting much love this preseason, but when he’s healthy, he’s a top-flight backup and a borderline starter… Zach Miller (16.3) is athletic and has great hands. Given Oakland’s dearth of options in the passing game, JaMarcus Russell should look his way early and often… Dustin Keller (13.7) saw his stock rise with the arrival of Brett Favre, who loves to throw to his tight end. Keller isn’t physical, so he’ll probably be used as a receiver, especially around the goal line… Last time I checked, Desmond Clark (4.6) is still the starting tight end in Chicago, and given the Bears’ sketchy receiver corps, Clark may have the best hands of them all.
In yet another example of how ridiculous college football polls are early in the season, the latest AP rankings have established USC as the top rated team in the nation. The previously No. 1 ranked Georgia is now No. 2, while Ohio State moves from No. 2 to No. 3.
