Tag: fantasy football waiver wire (Page 9 of 9)

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

1. Kyle Orton (38.4)
“Beard” (formerly “Neck Beard”) has posted 267 yards passing and 2.3 TD over the last three weeks. He’s definitely QB2 caliber now.
2. Marc Bulger (48.8)
Bulger resumes his starting duties this week.
3. Matt Ryan (43.4)
Ryan threw for 194 yards and two TD against he Packers, and almost had a third TD.
4. Chad Pennington (35.3)
Pennington has a nice matchup with the Texans in Week 6.
5. Gus Frerotte (16.1)
With the Lions on tap in Week 6, Frerotte is a good pickup this week.
6. JaMarcus Russell (46.5)
Russell seems to be playing better, and with the Saints coming up, he’s a viable spot starter.
7. Kerry Collins (25.2)
8. Joe Flacco (15.2)
9. J.P. Losman (0.6)
The Bills are on bye and Trent Edwards should be ready for Week 7, but if not, Losman will have some value.
10. Brodie Croyle (4.0)
Croyle will be the starter after KC’s bye.
11. Jeff Garcia (17.6)
With Griese nicked up, Garcia has a chance to reclaim the starting job.

RUNNING BACKS

1. Mewelde Moore (40.0)
Moore is starter caliber as long as Willie Parker is out.
2. Warrick Dunn (39.9)
Dunn continues to split touches with Graham, which makes him a decent flex/spot-starter play.
3. Justin Fargas (56.8)
Fargas is over our 50% threshold, but he’s back at practice and may be the starter if McFadden continues to nurse his turf toe.
4. Tim Hightower (42.7)
Hightower keeps vulturing goal line carries, so he has some value.
5. Michael Bush (34.3)
Productive when given the opportunity, Bush now has to deal with Fargas coming off an injury.
6. Derrick Ward (31.5)
Even though Brandon Jacobs re-established his grip on the starting job, Ward is still a backup with major upside.
7. Maurice Morris (20.2)
If he can get healthy, he’ll likely find himself back in a timeshare with Julius Jones.
8. Cedric Benson (10.2)
As Chris Perry continues to fumble, the chances that Benson can earn a bigger role continue to increase.
9. Ladell Betts (20.1)
Like Ward, Betts would become a starter caliber RB if something were to happen to Clinton Portis.
10. Kenny Watson (22.3)
Given Chris Perry’s fumbling problems, Watson has an outside chance for major
11. Leon Washington (30.2)
12. Ahman Green (26.6)
13. Brandon Jackson (24.2)
playing time now that he’s back with Cincy.
14. Fred Jackson (17.4)
15. Dominic Rhodes (13.6)

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Bobby Engram (50.5)
8-61 in his return + Deion Branch injury = lots of opportunity for Bobby Engram.
2. Ike Hilliard (44.4)
Hilliard isn’t going to win any games single-handedly, but he’s a great backup in PPR leagues.
3. Brandon Stokley (10.4)
With Eddie Royal hobbled, Stokley shouldn’t have any problem continuing his hot run (13-132-1 over the last two weeks).
4. Steve Breaston (19.8)
As long as Anquan Boldin misses time, Breaston is a solid starter as a WR2 or WR3, especially in PPR leagues.
5. Devin Hester (27.0)
Is Hester catching on? His recent performance – eight catches for 93 yards and two TD over the last two weeks – says that maybe he is.
6. Chansi Stuckey (44.9)
7. Antwaan Randle El (41.6)
8. Amani Toomer (49.5)
9. Kevin Walter (40.5)
10. Mike Walker (0.1)
The second-year wideout has caught 11 passes for 153 yards over the last two weeks. He and David Garrard seem to be developing a rapport. There is a lot of upside here.
11. Greg Camarillo (3.1)
Over the last three weeks, Camarillo has 14 catches for 177 yards and a TD. He’s roster worthy in all PPR leagues.
12. Justin Gage (31.1)
I still like Gage. He’s the WR1 in Tennessee if he can just get healthy.
13. Ted Ginn (29.8)
After a dreadful start, Ginn has 12 catches for 104 yards over the last two weeks, which makes him an interesting pickup in PPR leagues.
14. Domenik Hixon (3.0)
He exploded with Burress out after catching three passes in each of the two previous games. Going forward, it’s tough to see him getting enough targets to be a regular fantasy starter.
15. Kevin Curtis (48.2)
Only Andy Reid knows how he’s going to fit in with DeSean Jackson and Reggie Brown.
16. Robert Meachem (40.5)
17. Matt Jones (33.2)
18. Josh Reed (30.8)
Reed has caught at least four passes in each of the last four weeks, which makes him fodder as a spot starter in PPR leagues.
19. Deion Branch (31.6)
Branch injured his right heel and did not return. He’s not worth picking up unless he’s able to play in the next week or two.
20. Jabar Gaffney (17.1)
He has nine catches for 85 yards and a TD over the last two weeks.
21. Nate Washington (0.7)
A big game against Jacksonville (6-94-1) gives a glimpse at Washington’s potential, but with Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes ahead of him, he probably won’t get enough targets to produce consistently.

TIGHT ENDS

1. Bo Scaife (50.4)
Scaife is a bona fide fantasy backup and one of the Titans’ biggest “weapons” in the passing game.
2. Zach Miller (25.4)
He has as much upside as anyone on this list, but he plays with an inconsistent QB in JaMarcus Russell.
3. Donald Lee (48.1)
Not quite as consistent as last year, but he’s a decent fantasy backup.
4. L.J. Smith (37.1)
He caught three passes for 26 yards in his return.
5. Dustin Keller (23.2)
A Favre favorite around the goal line.
6. Visanthe Shiancoe (20.1)
Production is up since Frerotte took over.
7. Kevin Boss (33.2)
He was a big disappointment in Week 5 with Burress out.
8. John Carlson (50.3)
Was his goose egg in Week 5 an indication of things to come?

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?

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.