Week 9 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Blount Trauma
By Jason Lisk
Quarterback: It’s a slow week, but keep an eye on Minnesota (again), where Tarvaris Jackson would be worth a start at home against woeful Arizona if Favre, in addition to the ankle and the jaw injuries, is also hit by a bus, burned at the stake, and disemboweled this week. The Cleveland situation is also one to monitor, as the Patriots are a decent matchup at home, so if you are desperate, roll with Colt McCoy, or Seneca Wallace, or even Jake Delhomme if you get bonus points for interceptions. Good Matchup Starts: Josh Freeman at Atlanta; Jay Cutler at Buffalo.
Running Back: With Ryan Torain’s predictable breakdown, the Redskins backfield situation is again wide open until Portis returns. They are on a bye this week, but if you are planning ahead, Keiland Williams is probably the best bet for week 10. Flex Starts: Not only Matt Forte, but also Chester Taylor is playable against league worst Buffalo. Same situation in Atlanta, where Jason Snelling comes into play because of the matchup with Tampa. Benjarvus Green Ellis and Danny Woodhead are also startable in flex spots against Cleveland.
Wide Receiver: The Dallas Cowboys secondary has been flammable of late, so look to guys like James Jones and Jordy Nelson to have opportunities this week if you need a start. Arrelious Benn finally flashed something last week, and has a pretty good matchup against Atlanta. Other Matchups: Get Mike Williams in against Atlanta (79.2 y/gm to #1 WR’s) if you had any doubts; Johnny Knox vs. Buffalo; Patrick Crayton at Houston; Deion Branch at Cleveland.
Tight End: I highlighted Jacob Tamme as the guy at tight end to focus on with Dallas Clark out. He delivered against a team that is worst against tight ends. Vernon Davis hurt an ankle in London, and Delanie Walker stepped in. If Davis isn’t ready when the 49ers come back from a bye, Walker, who is an athletic receiver, can be a starting option. Other matchups: Look to Ben Watson and Aaron Hernandez in the Cleveland vs. New England matchup; tight ends have had success against Pittsburgh, so Jermaine Gresham is startable despite going against a tough defense; Greg Olsen has been inconsistent, but this is a great matchup in Buffalo.
Defenses/Special Teams: New Orleans at Carolina appears to be the best among teams that might be available; Detroit is playing better and gets the New York Jets coming off a lackluster effort.
[photo via Getty]