Fantasy Football: Waiver Wire, Week One

I know there are a variety of league sizes and requirements, so it’s impossible for me to give generic advice. I’ll try to give some layered pickups. If none of these guys are available, congratulations for being in an awesome league where you fight over real backups.

QUARTERBACK: Maybe you drafted Peyton Manning, or you are sitting there with Matt Cassel or Donovan McNabb as your backup. Even though those two won’t average 3 yards per attempt, the schedule doesn’t ease up and I would have no problem moving on. It’s possible Cam Newton was available. It’s more likely that either Rex Grossman or Chad Henne is unless you were ina start 2 QB league. I would take a chance on any of those three as a backup quarterback for my fantasy team.

RUNNING BACK: Cadillac Williams is going to be a popular pickup this week. He’s got a good matchup, and Jackson is out at least one week, and could be for multiple games. Still, I only make that move if I need a starter the next two weeks. If we want to take a longer view, Ricky Williams had 12 carries as the Ravens had a big lead. They have enough favorable matchups where he could be a good flex play in deeper leagues when playing with the lead, and he would be a must start if Rice is out for a game.

I’m assuming Ben Tate was owned in your league, but if you drafted early and had no transactions til now, he’s obviously worth a pick with that offense. Deji Karim got 14 carries and 3 targets in a close game for Jacksonville. His yardage total wasn’t great, but the Jaguars will run the ball, and he probably slipped through until Rashad Jennings was out for the year. He can be a flex start with the right matchup (Carolina in week 3, for example) and a good handcuff to Jones-Drew.

Earnest Graham had more carries and targets than LeGarrette Blount, not a huge fan but if there is some fire there you and you are desperate, throw a pickup his way. If you are going upside, I think you need to consider Jacquizz Rodgers in Atlanta. He only had 2 carries (Turner had 10, as Atlanta fell behind early) but he was targeted on 5 passes, catching 3. If Turner gets hurt, you will want Rodgers.

WIDE RECEIVER: Devery Henderson becomes a pickup with Colston out, and can be put in your lineup. The Bills didn’t throw it a lot because they were up big, but David Nelson was targeted 6 times, same as Stevie Johnson, and had 4 catches. He would be a target for me to emerge as they play in more even matchups. Early Doucet will be a popular pick but benefitted from one big play and was only targeted 3 times. Eric Decker looks to be playing a bigger role in Denver and was targeted 5 times, plus gives return points. He’s someone to watch to see if he overtakes Eddie Royal.

Both of Washington’s other receivers, Anthony Armstrong and Jabar Gaffney scored a touchdown and were targeted at least 5 times. I would go Armstrong for upside, Gaffney if you need a spot start next week with injury.

Mohamed Massaquoi led the Browns’ receivers in targets after missing most of the preseason. Opportunity is there for someone to emerge. Arrelious Benn had only 27 yards on 4 catches, but was targeted 7 times and could emerge if the Bucs offense gets going.

TIGHT END: Scott Chandler is going to be a popular pickup after two touchdowns. Just know that part of that was matchup related. He may be useful from time to time but don’t expect a breakout. Fred Davis is the guy you want. There were rumblings that he had overtaken Cooley and he was getting reps in front of him, and in week 1, he was targeted 6 times for 5 catches and 105 yards but no TD’s, so people just looking at fantasy score might overlook or think it was a fluke with Cooley there. (Cooley was targeted 3 times). I also had Evan Moore marked as a sleeper, and he was targeted 6 times and had a TD, as both he and Watson will be a big part of the offense with inexperienced receivers. If you have a disappointing starter like Zach Miller, take a chance on Davis or Moore.

KICKERS: If like me, you are a curse on kickers and finally broke down and took Nate Kaeding, then you are looking for someone. The Chargers signed Nick Novak today, and he will be playing with a good offense and a decent schedule. You also may have missed the news that Dan Bailey was the Dallas kicker. Veteran John Kasay is kicking in New Orleans with Hartley out.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: This week’s potential matchup starts among defenses that could be available: Denver vs. Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Cleveland versus each other, Washington hosting Arizona (interception/sack potential in Kolb’s first road start).

 [photo via Getty]