Another great weekend of football saw some injuries to key players and the return of some familiar faces. It’s getting harder and harder to find good pick-ups on the waivers, but this week I managed to find a few that I think you need to monitor.
Rashard Mendenhall RB PIT – The Pittsburgh coaching staff mentioned that they would ease him back into the starter’s role this past Sunday. He had 81 yards rushing and 2 receptions for TD’s on Sunday. If that is easing him into the role I can’t wait to see what a full load looks like. At this point in your season if you’ve been hit by the injury bug or have sub-par running backs this will be a great addition to your team. Mendenhall will benefit from a solid passing attack from Big Ben. Mendenhall is a must own in all fantasy formats.
James Jones WR GB – I’ve been keeping an eye on Jones for the last couple years as I thought he was going to be Donald Driver’s heir. Jones has suffered from drops and miscommunication with Rodgers over the last two seasons, but this year with an Injury to Greg Jennings he has stepped up with 102 yards and 4 TD’s in the last two games. Monitor Jennings’ status for this week as Jones could be a nice flex start against Houston.
Alex Green RB GB – With the injury to Cedric Benson, Alex Green is going to have to step-up this week against Houston. This is a great opportunity to prove himself to the team and to the NFL. Green Bay is mostly a passing team and usually goes to John Kuhn in the red zone. You also have to remember that James Starks is returning from being a healthy scratch in week 5 so if you have a roster spot available you can add him, but be cautious on adding him into your starting line up for a couple of weeks until you can see how the story unfolds in the backfield
William Powell / Larod Stephens-Howling RB ARZ – These two backs are in the same situation as I mentioned for Alex Green except that in Kevin Kolb there isn’t as good of a QB throwing the ball on the team, which means you can expect more defenders playing up in the box. Stephens-Howling is a smaller back at 5’7 185 and there are concerns of him lasting a full game as well as pass protection. Powell had a good preseason and will get a shot at the starting gig. Let’s also remember the Beanie Wells will be returning from his turf-tow Injury. All in all this is a situation to Monitor.
Flying under the waiver wire
Jahvid Best RB DET– Detroit coaches say that he’s as healthy as he’s ever been. Best has some doctor appointments set up this week to see if he can pass NFL concussion protocol tests and get clearance to play. If he does get clearance he will help Detroit’s struggling running game. If he is available and you have a spot add him as you might not get a shot of adding him next week.
Thanks again for reading and hope some of my picks have help you with your season. Good Luck this Week!
Be sure to tune-in to Last Word Radio on Sunday nights from 7:30-8:30 pm for “Sunday Night NFL Blitz Package” with Opie, Kerr and the Savant.
