Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 3: What Can Andre Brown Do For You?
By Jason Lisk
Just like last week, I list each position with potential pickups in Shallow (owned by between 50-70% of leagues already), Deep (25-50% ownership entering week) and Deeper (less than 25% owned) Leagues.
QUARTERBACKS
Shallow: Andy Dalton could be available, but it is also Ryan Fitzpatrick who is available in some leagues, with a matchup going against the same team that Dalton just benefited from playing, while they are without top cornerback Joe Haden. In addition, Russell Wilson is running just over 50% ownership, and he is going to start getting some quality rushing numbers and continues to be a QB2 option.
Deep: Sam Bradford benefitted from some injuries to Washington in the second half and put up some big numbers. He’s worth a flier with Amendola looking completely healthy. At worst, you know he will continue to start when healthy, if you are setting your future matchups.
Deeper: I would still take a chance on Christian Ponder in deeper leagues, but he’s not an emergency starting option this week going against the 49ers. Just know that Jerome Simpson returns after this week, and the matchups will get better. If you can afford to plan ahead I think he is a guy you can add.
RUNNING BACK
Shallow: Pierre Thomas is an immediate pickup and start if he is available, going against Kansas City.
Deep: I’ll continue to bang the Kendall Hunter drum. A viable flex start with a good matchup, and an instant top 10 start if something happens to Gore. San Francisco isn’t going anywhere and will provide running back value.
Deeper: I already talked about Andre Brown. Daryl Richardson got his numbers because Steven Jackson was benched for the spike, and the Redskins defense collapsed. He’s worth a speculative add as a primary backup, but I wouldn’t go crazy unless you are desperate. Jackie Battle might get another start if Ryan Mathews isn’t ready, and would be a definite start for this week.
WIDE RECEIVER
Shallow: Greg Little has a pretty good matchup going against Buffalo, as both Stephen Hill and Dwayne Bowe have put up good numbers. Mike Williams does not have as good a draw this week as last against the Giants, but looks like he’s worth a roster spot to stash for future matchups.
Deep: Let’s call this the “start anyone against New Orleans” rule. If you are desperate, and need a matchup start, Dexter McCluster is usually out there, as is Jonathan Baldwin. I have more faith in McCluster getting targets than Baldwin, but both are viable in deep leagues. Nate Burleson goes against Tennessee.
Deeper: Leonard Hankerson and Aldrick Robinson are potential adds with the Redskins offense, who should be in shootouts. Robinson got his numbers as the backup taking Garcon’s role, so Hankerson is probably the safer add, while Robinson would be the better start this week if Garcon is still out.
TIGHT END
Shallow: Not much new here, pick up Kyle Rudolph
Deep: Same advice as last week, add Martellus Bennett. I’m sure that won’t be an issue this week.
Deeper: Brandon Myers put up some numbers for Oakland, though he would be nothing more than bye week fill in option at this point. Dante Rosario came out and saw his shadow. I wouldn’t bite unless you have Gates or need a guy for a start this week only just in case.
KICKER
Deep: Justin Tucker is still owned in only 35% of leagues, but that should change. He should have been an add already, but 3 field goals of 48+ insure it.
DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS
Deep: The Arizona Cardinals are owned 25% of leagues and have Philadelphia, who have been known to contribute some turnovers, at home this week. They look like a good add for the rest of the year.
[photo via US Presswire]