Digging Through The Waiver Wire
Digging Through The Waiver Wire
Start/Sit columns attempt to help you pick between several options, highlighting guys that are on every team, or suggesting to sit guys that would normally be “studs”. While those columns definitely have their place in fantasy football, sometimes you need to dig a little bit deeper.
When you don’t have the Tom Brady’s and Andre Johnson’s of the fantasy world, sometimes you need a little extra help to locate the next “gem” that’s lurking on your waiver wire in your league.
The following players are available in at at least 50% of Yahoo! leagues this week, and would make excellent additions to your depleted or bye week-starving roster:
Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Smith came out on fire against the Houston Texans two weeks ago, throwing for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. He ran into a bit of a road block against a stellar pass defense in Indianapolis last week, but kept optimism alive with 198 passing yards and a touchdown pass to Vernon Davis.
Going up against a spotty Tennessee Titans pass defense, Smith should shoulder much of the load, as Frank Gore and the rushing attack should struggle to find room against the Titans’ solid rush defense.
Available in 80% of leagues.
Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans
Much like Alex Smith, Young is getting his last chance at proving himself, and so far, so good. Young passed for just 125 yards and a touchdown last week, but also found 35 yards on the ground in a convincing 30-13 win over Jacksnville, the Titan’s first of the season.
The 49ers are a proud defense, and will look to shut down the ground game of Chris Johnson and Lendale White, which could make Young take the game into his own hands, both in the air, and on the ground.
Available in 90% of leagues.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
With the one-game suspension of starter Larry Johnson, Charles officially gets his chance to claim the starting job as his. Charles has a nice match-up with a Jacksonville run defense that gave up 200+ yards and two scores to Chris Johnson, so he has a good chance at solid numbers.
Charles could prove to be a solid player to hold onto after this week as well, as LJ’s future is very much in doubt.
Available in 61% of leagues.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Forsett climbs into Edgerrin James’ old shoes, as he takes over for the recently released veteran as Julius Jones’ top back-up. James wasn’t even averaging 3.0 yards per carry, and with Jones’ continued struggles, there could be plenty of touches there for the taking.
Forsett is a very athletic and dynamic player that should excel immediately on third downs, and could see his role expand quickly if Jones continues to hold the offense back.
Available in 97% of leagues.
Kevin Walter, WR, Houston Texans
Walter just misses the cut at 49%, but we can’t leave him off this list. He’s suffered immensely this year as Matt Schaub has enjoyed great success by passing mainly to Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels.
However, with the season-ending injury to Daniels, someone will have to take those targets, and there’s no doubt that at least half of those targets will trickle down to Walter. He has soft hands and excellent play-making ability, so 4-5 grabs should make him a solid WR3 in most leagues.
Available in 49% of leagues.
Chris Chambers, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Chambers may have proven to be just an average weapon in San Diego, but in KC he could turn out to be a fantasy God. He doesn’t have a Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, or even Darren Sproles to compete with for targets, and outside of Dwayne Bowe, none of the other receivers truly challenge to start ahead of him.
He may not be a lock to rack up numbers in his first game, but 1-2 weeks down the road, you could be very happy you took a chance on the guy that San Diego felt was “finished”.
Available in 83% of leagues.
Related posts:
