2010 Week 8 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups

Time to get geared up for Week 8 in Fantasy Football. Lot’s of key injuries this weekend, and not a lot of time to get to the waiver wire for help. These players should be available in roughly 50%  or more fantasy leagues. Here are our top 3 (or so) free agent quarterback, running back and wide receiver pickups for the week:

Quarterback

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick (SF) – Fitz had a stellar game delivering 4 TDs for his owners. Problem is, not enough people own him. He still very available in more than half the leagues. Playing for a bad team has commonly led to good production from the Quarterback position. However, you have to have a QB that can deliver on the passing attempts he is provided. Trent Edwards, not so good. Ryan Fitzpatrick phenomenal! This guy is a much better version of Kyle Orton this year. Stop wasting time and grab him. And if you are an unlucky Romo owner, you better do it now. A tough matchup in KC this week, but still that shouldn’t stop you.
   
2. Jon Kitna (Dal) – I have no doubt that with a weeks worth of reps with the #1 squad, Kitna will be ready to play very well for the Cowboys. Dez Bryant has simply ascended to the next level of awesomeness this week. Kitna, just put the ball in his hands and let the man do his thing! Plus they are playing a very bad Jax team this week.
   
3. Chad Henne (Mia) – He plays Cincy this week so a decent mathup. But he still has great receiving threats in Marshall and Bess, so he gets the nod before say a Sam Bradford.
   
4. Sam Bradford (StL) – They just loss to Tampa last week and Bradford really had just an acceptable game. He doesn’t have a great matchup with Carolina, but the fact that he throws so often makes his potential something to consider. But do so if none of the above are available.

Running Back

1. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE) – Still highly available in many leagues, “The Firm” has scored in 4 straight games, despite losing some carried to Danny Woodhead.
   
2. Christopher Ivory (NO) – Pierre Thomas is still out with injury and Ivory had nearly all the rushing touches for the Saints. Reggie Bush might be back, but this week against a strong and physical Pitt defense neither Bush or Ivory look like great options. Still Peyton Hillis scored on them recently, maybe Ivory can pound one in as well.
   
3. Derrick Ward (Hou) – There just isn’t a whole lot out there in the available market for running backs. Still Derrick Ward plays a great backup role to Arian Foster and has ripped a few long runs to TDs. If you are looking for anything, Ward is as good as anyone else out there likely available. If you own Foster, Ward is almost a must own.

Wideout/Tight End

1. Lee Evans (Buf) – I had a rule of thumb to never ever draft Lee Evans. But this isn’t drafting, this is picking the waiver wire clean of useful fantasy options. This week is shaping up to be a Buffalo player smorgasbord. Look since Ryan Fitzpatrick has been back, Evan has 17 catches and 4 TDs. Steve Johnson and Roscoe Parrish are finally becoming offensively involved. That should create some free lanes for Evans to continue to get free and catch the occasional bomb from Fitz.
   
2. Steve Johnson (Buf) – He has caught 4 TDs in 4 straight games. Will it be 5? Pick him up and find out! Evans can’t catch everything and Johnson has good hands and is also a favorite target of Fitzpatrick now.
   
3. Devone Bess (Mia) – He plays 2nd fiddle to Brandon Marshall and that’s a good thing. Marshall gets the double coverage, the run threat is always there in Miami, so Bess gets to benefit. He asked for the ball more a few weeks back and has not been a disappointment with 3 TDs in 3 straight games.

2010 Fantasy Football Injury Alert: Tony Romo Out Indefinitely

Tony Romo is the latest victim of the vicious New York Giants frontal assault. Michael Boley layed a clean hit that squared Romo’s shoulder with the turf. The impact fractured his left clavicle removing him, and the Cowboys, from the game. It is unclear how long Romo will be out, likely 2-4 weeks, but that is just a guess. Still if you are a Romo owner, and you don’t have a quality backup Fantasy Quarterback or good trade options, let’s see what options are out there for you on the waiver wire. NOT LISTED IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE!

Possibly available (available in roughly 50% or better of fantasy football leagues):

• Mark Sanchez (NYJ) – OK, he is available in slightly less than 50% of fantasy leagues, but close. There is nothing too sexy here, but he plays for a team that wins. The passing game relys on the run to be effective. They do have playmakers at the skill positions. If Romo is only going to be out a few weeks, Sanchez will make a good stop gap until then. One major key to Sanchez’s success is that he has thrown only two interceptions.
• Sam Bradford (StL) – Puts up about the same numbers as Sanchez or slightly higher yardage, but with about 100 more passing attempts. He has 8 picks on the year, but that’s due to the number of attempts and likely the pressure of defenses and being behind in some games. Still I think this kid can continue to grow and I would certainly try him as a replacement before I trade the farm for a higher tier QB.
• Matthew Stafford (Det) – If he returns for week 8, I can’t see why he can’t have the same or better success than Shaun Hill did. He could be the sleeper steal of the 2nd half, especially for you Romo owners.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buf) – The Buffalo air attack was awesome last week with 4 TDs. This team just passes and passes and passes and they seem to be pretty good at it now with Fitz behind center. If only they could play some defense. Fitz is another possible true late season gem.
• Jon Kitna (Dal) – Or you could just take a flier on the backup to Romo. Kitna started the game very rusty, but as he warmed up and moved into his no huddle offense he moved the ball very well. Pretty much all he has to do is just get the ball to Dez Bryant and let him do the work from there. Seriously, with the receiving tools of Dallas Kitna is also a great option.
• Chad Henne (Mia) – Yeah, he is inconsistent, but Brandon Marshall and Devone Bess has proved to be real playmakers for this team.

2010 Fantasy Football Injury Alert: Dallas Clark Out For Season!

Sadly, one of the top Fantasy Football Tight Ends will not play another game this year after opting for wrist surgery. This is good news for owners who own Austin Collie and Reggie Wayne though. However, should you be the distraught owner of Clark, let’s see who you can quickly get to fill his place. Let’s try and list some realistically available players:

1. Marcedes Lewis (Jax) – OK, he probably isn’t available for most of you, but if he is a big big target. The QB situation is risky though, so hopefully Garrard can get back under the helm.
2. Brandon Pettigrew (Det) – This won’t help you this week (week 7), but Stafford should be back and he is looking good in practice. Pettigrew has a good rapport with Stafford and he has been stepping up his receiving game.
3. Jermaine Gresham (Cin) – A preseason sleeper favorite. He is still a nice late season sleeper option, just need to hope the team gets their offense going.
4. Kevin Boss (NYG) – He has been quieted this year with injury, and Hakeem Nicks is really becoming a favorite red zone target of Manning’s. However, Boss is a big body with good hands and should…no HAS…to have a better second half fantasy-wise.
5. Benjamin Watson (Cle) – He is having a career year for himself in regards to receptions. He is on pace for around 65-75 and that could easily be some red zone touches.

2010 Fantasy Football Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

Another week down in the world of Fantasy Football. Time for a look at some possible addition to help your week 7 roster off the waiver wire. These players should be available in roughly 50%  or more fantasy leagues. Here are our top 3 (or so) free agent quarterback, running back and wide receiver pickups for the week:

Quarterback

1. Alex Smith (SF) – Smith came through late in the game Sunday to deliver a couple of TDs for the 49ers first win. This week he faces a tough Carolina defense, but he should be able to post some decent numbers to live by. He has some better receiving talent which puts him just ahead of everyone else as my first choice for this week.
2. Matt Cassel (KC) Matt is lined up for a very good game with a bad opponent in the Jaguars. Jax loads the box to stop the run, but could penetrate, but Cassel doesn’t really hold the ball all that long as he usually just makes short quick throws and has the ability to scramble some. He should be a solid bye week replacement.
3. Sam Bradford (StL) – The rookie was able to take down the Chargers last week and had respectable numbers. This week he faces TB and appears to have a pretty good matchup.

On the cusp for the week is quarterback Chad Henne who plays Pittsburgh this week, and that’s his only drawback. But still, he has a lethal weapon in Brandon Marshall who can just make plays, so if you need him…he is likely there for you. Mathew Stafford is on a Bye this week and inactive, but still someone I wouldn’t mind keeping on my roster if I have room as backup after week 8 or so.

Running Back

1. Christopher Ivory (NO) – Pierre Thomas is out with injury and Ivory had a huge game Sunday in his place rushing for 158 yards on 15 carries. As long as Pierre is out, Ivory should get the quality touches. And he may earn carries even when Pierre gets back if he keeps this up.
2. Danny Woodhead (NE) – Another hot New England waiver wire pickup. He appears to be getting his share of looks whether it be rushing or receiving. I wouldn’t spend a high waiver on him, but certainly if you need a lot of help, Woodhead could be a start to plug holes.
3. Derrick Ward (Hou) – Don’t panic, there is no injury to Arian Foster. However, Ward has been getting his share of the touches and ripped off some decent runs for 3 TDs. So the picking is thin this week and if you absolutely have nobody else to grab try Ward. Plus he would be the first to start if Foster did get hurt (knock on wood!).

Javon Ringer (Car) I still like as a handcuff for Chris Johnson owners.

Wideout/Tight End

1. Deion Branch (NE) – He remains available in over half of fantasy leagues even after scoring in his first game back. He is easily one of the best wide receivers available in most leagues especially in this weeks matchup.
2. Danny Amendola (StL) – He has a good matchup this week and should get a lot of Bradford’s attention.
3. Steve Breaston (Ari) – With Max Hall at the helm it’s still questionable what we are dealing with here in Arizona. That said, Breaston is a great receiver, but coming back from injury this week…probably. So temper expectation, but definitely stash him if you have room. Could pay huge dividends as Fitzgerald gets all the defensive attention.

Guys to keep on your radar Brandon Tate (NE), Harry Douglas (Atl) and one of my favorites Anthony Armstrong (Was). They may not be much now, but they could be worth theor weight down the stretch.

2010 Fantasy Football Week 6 Waiver Wire Pickups

Looking to revamp your roster for your Week 6 fantasy football lineup for 2010? Here are some available players that should be available in roughly 50%  or more fantasy leagues. Here are our top 3 (or so) free agent quarterback, running back and wide receiver pickups for the week:

Quarterback

1. Chad Henne (MIA) – A worthy backup QB and bye week replacement. However, should he ever find rhythm with Brandon Marshall and Devone Bess he could be a nice sleeper later in the season.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buf) C play from behind and throw a lot. Enough said. Oh OK, you can justify with a solid performance last Sunday. He really is building a nice rapport with Steve Johnson too.
3. Shaun Hill(Det) – He has deliver very usable stat lines. This could be his last week in the starting gig before Stafford comes back. So grab him as a solid bye week replacement for week 6.
4. Sam Bradford (StL) – Same deal as Fitzpatrick, they just tend to have to throw a lot. He won’t really be worthy of a starting spot, but could make a decent bye week replacement.

On the cusp, is quarterback Alex Smith who quietly had a nice game Sunday 250+ yards, 1TD and no picks. He is one bad game away from probably being replaced by David Carr, but until that happens keep an eye on him and see if he can rise to the occasion. Mathew Stafford will probably be back in week 8 after the Lions bye. He seems to be progressing well from his shoulder injury, so when he returns he should resume his normal fantasy value. David Garrardis another healthy mention of someone worth a glance, but he is so inconsistent it hard to refer him.

Running Back

1. BenJarvis Green-Ellis (NE) – “The Firm” is available in just about 50% of fantasy football leagues, and he has been money. Even with Moss gone I don’t see his production taking that big of a hit.
2. Fred Jackson (Buf) – With Lynch traded, Jackson stands to get many more touches. He has always been a solid fantasy contributor when healthy and playing. Grab him if you still can.
3. Julius Jones (StL) – He just got picked up by New Orleans to backup Pierre Thomas. Backups Chris Ivory and Ledell Betts did not perform well with Thomas out. You have to assume Jones will be the immediate #2 and should Thomas miss week 6, Jones would likely get the bulk of the carries. Worst case scenario he is a great handcuff for Thomas owners.

If Marshawn Lynch (Sea) is available he is worthy of a pick up on shear potential alone. Earnest Graham (TB), has not gotten many touches, but when he has they have been for productive carries. If he keeps this up he might force more touches his way. Javon Ringer (Car) I like simply as a handcuff for Chris Johnson owners. Donald Brown (Ind) is still someone you might want to stash, but he is a bit banged up right now.

Wideout/Tight End

1. Deion Branch (NE) – I am not saying he is going to replace Moss, but with Brady throwing spirals to his old favorite target. Good things could be in store for this once upon a time Super Bowl MVP.
2. Andrew Quarless (GB) – Jermichael Finley is slated to miss lots of time and Donald Lee is banged up as well. This guy has the size and tools like Finley so he could be a great temporary replacement.
3. Steve Johnson (Buf) – He seems to be Fitzpatrick’s favorite target and has the TDs to prove it.
4. Kenny Britt (Ten) – I don’t know if he has just been lucky or finally getting into his zone. 3 TDs in 3 games. You could reach for worse here. He has the size and hands to dominate, let’s hope.

Louis Murphy (Oak) is still the best receiver in Oakland, he is gimpy right now but would make a nice player down the stretch . Danny  (StL) is getting most of Bradford’s attention. He could take over as the #1 Wr and could help players in PPR leagues.

2010 Fantasy Football Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

Here is a look at help for your Week 5 fantasy football lineup for 2010.

Quarterback

1. Kyle Orton(Den) – If Orton is still on the waiver wire grab him, he surely is better than your backup QB at the least!
2. Chad Henne (MIA) – He was probably drafted in deeper leagues, but available in many others.  He is still a break-out candidate.
3. Sam Bradford (StL) – I know, how? He is actually very good considering the team around him. Although this may be th elast week to get easy points. Monitor him closely after this week.

If you really need more options appealing check out Josh Freeman (TB) or gunslinger  Shaun Hill(Det). And if your league is really deep Matt Cassel (KC) and David Garrard (Jac) are other QBs that usually have to throw a lot.

Running Back

1. Ryan Torain (Was) – Had him listed as a sleeper last week. I should have listed him as a must have pickup. As we all knew Portis couldn’t stay healthy and Torain is now the #1 back.
2. Fred Jackson (Buf) – With Lynch traded, Jackson stands to get many more touches. He has always been a solid fantasy contributor when healthy and playing. Grab him if you still can.
3. Kenneth Darby (StL) – He looks to benefit from time missed by Steven Jackson. Definitely worth a pickup if you can afford it.

If Marshawn Lynch (Sea) is floating on the waiver wire still, he could be a guy to stash for future work. John Kuhn (GB), is still a decent look. Javon Ringer (Car) looked good and should the workload that Chris Johnson receives ever get him to miss time. This would elevate Ringer’s value very quickly. Also, Mike Bell (Phi) could is a great handcuff to McCoy and spot starter if McCoy misses time.

Wideout

1. Brandon Tate (NE) – With Randy Moss now out of the picture, we expect to see more looks thrown Tate’s way. He probably won’t put up Moss’ numbers, but an increase in fantasy value is for sure. Please note though week 5 is a BYE, so this is solely a move to bolster your roster right now.
2. Lance Moore (NO) – He was listed here last week and was able to grab a score. He really seems to be filling the reception duties for Bush. Consider him a strong target to score until he proves otherwise.
3. Pierre Garcon (Ind) – This could be just a one week roster move. Austin Collie is likely to miss week 5 and Garcon is prepped to start. So he could figure into the game plan much more.

Here are some other options to consider if these three are not available. Devone Bess (Mia), you have to take him as a matchup play, but he wanted more looks last week and got them along with a score. Marshall will be the double covered man, so Bess stands to benefit. Take a gamble on the play-maker for the Browns Joshua Cribbs (Cle). Dexter McCluster (KC) remains an exciting player just proving he needs to get as much playing time as possible. Although this will be a tough matchup vs Indy.