The difference from a good fantasy player and a great one is all in how someone uses the waiver wire. The great players will look for value all the time, while the less effective owner will only look for home runs. Having looked extensively at who is available in many fantasy leagues, I have a few suggestions of players who are still available in some if not most, that you may want to pick up if only on the short-term. They may not be “keeper-worthy”, but they should fill in adequately and post some good numbers.
Alfred Morris RB WAS – He looked good in the pre-season and just before their first game against the Saints, Shanahan showed his cards by naming Morris their starter. Even though his YPC was only 3.4 he was a big reason for their win. Look for him to get the start in week in week 2 against the St. Louis and put up some decent numbers, because after all, it is against the Rams. Morris should be owned in all fantasy formats, but if he has snuck under the radar, grab him.
C.J. Spiller RB BUF– With Fred Jackson being out anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks CJ is likely to see to get a lot of touches. He looked good against the Jets’ defence (really, did anyone besides him look good?) putting up an amazing 169 yards on 14 carries and a TD. Look for him to have another good week against Kansas City. Spiller should be owned in all formats until Jackson is back and getting the brunt of the workload again.
Stephan Hill WR NYJ – I followed him through training camp, as I do with most receivers that come out of Georgia Tech. It’s interesting to see how many former GT players become super stars. But I was unsatisfied with his production, whether he was to blame or the QB’s who were supposed to be getting him the ball. I watched the game and admit that he was doing a great job of finding open space and racking up some nice yards after catch. His athleticism makes Sanchez’s not so accurate throws, manageable. Due to his production you need to pick up Hill as soon as possible as he might end up being Sanchez’s go-to guy.
Jonathan Dwyer RB PIT – Redman isn’t the answer to the loss of Mendenhall. Redman hasn’t demonstrated the ability to get first string touches in the backfield. Apparently the coaching staff are now talking about handing-off to Jonathan Dwyer. Dwyer looked good against Denver’s defence putting up a respectable 4.8 YPC. If Dwyer can put up decent production this week against the Jets he might be the go-to guy even when Mendenhall returns. If you have a roster spot available you need to add Dwyer.
Randal Cobb WR GB – Just an all-around great athlete with great skills. Green Bay was lining him up all over the field on Sunday. He is going to be a big part of a high scoring offense. This will be a bonus if your team awards return yards as well as PPR. He will be a nice flex play this week against Chicago Bears.
Kevin Ogletree WR DAL – I’m sure after his amazing performance last week against the giants he is already been picked up in most fantasy formats, but if not he’ll be a nice addition. He has great open-field speed and good hands that will help Romo find a target besides Dez Bryant.
Flying under the Radar
Andrew Hawkins WR CIN – I watched this game and was amazed by the speed and quickness. He looked like the Tasmanian Devil cutting through and around blockers gaining yards after the catch. He was a video replay away from adding another 20 yards to his total which would have game him 8 catches for 106 yards. If those were his final numbers you could almost guarantee that there would be a lot of hype this week about him. Hawkins could become a PPR monster. If you have a spot on your roster to stash him it might not be a bad move. If you don’t have a spot you need to monitor him this week to see how he does against Cleveland. You can almost guarantee if he puts up similar numbers he’ll be all over next week’s waiver wires.
There you have a few considerations for fantasy wire pick-ups. Some will already have been taken, but they are certainly worth checking because they have been undervalued until now, and there is the possibility of them being available. If so, gram ’em up!
