Fantasy Waiver Wire, Week 13: Montee Ball May Be the Man for Denver This Week
By Jason Lisk
A few weeks ago, we talked about adding Montee Ball as he was getting more looks. He is now owned in about 70% of leagues, but with Knowshon Moreno leaving the New England game after a Herculean effort, Ball could be in line for a big opportunity. Kansas City could be without its pass rushers, which means that this isn’t the same Kansas City defense. I would expect Ball to be playable as a starter.
Here are other picks among players who are on the waiver wire in many leagues.
QUARTERBACKS
Some decent waiver wire options at quarterback this week based on matchup. Josh McCown (38%) has been playing well in place of Cutler, and goes against Minnesota, on the road in dome conditions.
Another choice is E.J. Manuel (17%) because he is drawing the Atlanta Falcons at home. Obviously need to keep an eye on weather conditions in this one, but Manuel should find room to operate.
RUNNING BACKS
Michael Bush (16%) may get a chance against Minnesota as well if Forte is limited. Pretty good matchup to go to against the Vikings.
Bilal Powell (41%) has a pretty good matchup and Chris Ivory left with an ankle injury. Powell could re-emerge in week 13.
Benny Cunningham (3%) may be getting the carries for the Rams. It’s against the 49ers on the road, so start at your own risk.
Brandon Bolden (16%) is worth a speculative add entering the final month. Stevan Ridley keeps getting chances, and keeps fumbling. At some point, those may end (and Bolden got the chances at the end of the Denver game). I wouldn’t start him, but worth an end of roster risk.
WIDE RECEIVER
Nate Burleson (39%) is back and ready for more pizza. He scored this week and is in a good situation, so he is immediately a WR3 with chance for more depending on matchup.
Rod Streater (27%) against Dallas is a matchup play. Justin Hunter (0%) is a deep target to keep an eye on. Nate Washington has fallen off and the Titans finally appear to be completely moving on from Kenny Britt. The Tennessee rookie had 7 targets three games ago (and only two catches) and 6 more targets last week. Not a starting option, but you never know by the time Jacksonville rolls around again.
TIGHT END
Brandon Myers (15%) because Washington, which should need little explanation. The same is true for John Carlson (28%) because Chicago
DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS
Cleveland hosting Jacksonville, Miami at the Jets, and Detroit hosting Green Bay are the waiver picks this week.