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This article covers a long list of players at each position because we try to cover all the bases for those of you in leagues with 8 or 10 teams, those that use PPR scoring or even those larger leagues with 14+ teams. What we've done this week is offer a list of players who may be available in smaller leagues that we've covered at length in previous weeks of this article. If you can grab a player from one of these lists at each position, do that first, then proceed into the write-ups that follow for players that may be better targets for deeper, more competitive leagues with larger rosters. Quarterback Grab one of these quarterbacks, if they are still available. League sizes and roster limitations vary greatly, so your mileage will vary. Smith and Carr are both improved this year, but Carr was benched this week after three turnovers, so there’s some added risk with him. Smith won’t get benched. McNair looked good this week, but he’s being held together with chicken wire and duct tape. Pennington was pretty bad this week getting intercepted twice and losing on the road to the Browns. Vince Young led the Titans to their second straight win rushing and passing for a TD.
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A week after Romo took over the starting job from Drew Bledsoe, he led the Cowboys to a road win over Carolina 35-14. Romo completed 24-of-36 for 270 yards with a 3-yard TD pass to Jason Witten and an interception. He added 18 yards rushing on four carries. Romo was probably snagged earlier in the year in most leagues, if not last week when Bledsoe was benched. If he’s still somehow available in your league, get him while you can.
David Garrard made his first start of the season replacing Byron Leftwich this week against the Eagles. Garrard’s numbers weren’t great, but the Jags won 13-6. He ran for 36 yards on 8 attempts, but he threw for only 87 yards on 10-of-17 passing. Leftwich’s ankle kept him on the sidelines. HC Jack Del Rio stated last week that Leftwich needed to prove he’s healthy if he wanted to start. That didn’t happen, so there’s a chance that Garrard could end up seeing more action the rest of the season. Last year, Garrard came up huge and he was an impact fantasy QB during the fantasy playoff weeks. If Garrard is out there, you may want to grab him. If you have Leftwich, and don’t have Garrard already, you might be too late. The Jags schedule looks favorable, too: vs Texans, vs Giants, at Bills, at Dolphins, vs Colts, at Titans, vs Patriots.
Green may be finally be ready to return this week as the Chiefs starting QB. If he happens to be available still, he deserves consideration as perhaps the best player available on waivers. The Chiefs offense is playing well without him, so he stands to be productive when he’s back in the fold. Here is the Chiefs upcoming schedule: at Rams, at Dolphins, vs Raiders, vs Broncos, at Browns, vs Ravens, at Chargers and at Raiders. The best matchups appear to be the next two weeks and then week 14 at Cleveland.
While the Seahawks lost to the KC Chiefs on Sunday, from a fantasy perspective, Wallace exceeded most people’s expectations. He threw two interceptions, but he also threw for 198 yards and three TDs while rushing for 18 yards on four carries. The next three games are home vs the Raiders and Rams, then at the 49ers. Wallace could be a sleeper in those three games. The Rams and 49ers are decent matchups while the Raiders have generally done a good job against the pass (but they remain suspect). If Wallace has to start any more games, then the week 12 game vs the Packers looks good, too. Add For Depth (Starter potential)
Daunte Culpepper won’t be back until he’s 100%, or really close. HC Nick Saban will count on Joey Harrington until Culpepper is ready. We’re not sure if that will be anytime soon, so there’s a chance that Harrington could be the Dolphins starting QB for several weeks, perhaps the rest of the season. Last week, Harrington threw a ridiculous 62 passes. He completed 33 of them for 414 yards with two TDs, but also had three interceptions. The Dolphins were on the bye this week, but in his last three games, Harrington has 912 yards, 3 TDs, 7 INTs. If your league doesn’t care about interceptions, then Harrington is actually a strong option to consider. The Dolphins have a couple of tough matchups ahead beginning next week in Chicago and then at home against KC in week 10. After that, the Dolphins are home against Minnesota and then in Detroit for Thanksgiving Day. That game might be worth a spot-start but only if you’re a riverboat gambler.
Young led the Tennessee Titans to their second win in a row beating his hometown
Houston Texans. His stats aren’t particularly great, but he was effective. He
ran for 44 yards on four attempts including a 20-yard TD to give the Titans an
early 7-0 lead in the game. He completed 7-of-15 for 87 yards with a TD. He
remains a work in progress as an NFL quarterback, but he’s becoming more
comfortable and he’s starting to make more plays with his legs. He’s a dangerous
athlete who will continue to make big plays, but he’ll be inconsistent and
frustrating as a fantasy QB. There’s a lot of upside here, so if he’s still out
there, grab him as a solid backup for your team.
This week, Jerry Porter was back in the lineup for the Raiders opposite Randy Moss. Next week, Aaron Brooks may be able to join them, too. Brooks shoulder has been slow to heal, but he’s reportedly very close to making his return. There are two games on the schedule, against Seattle (week 9) and Houston (week 13), where Brooks may be a solid option if he’s playing. Otherwise, Brooks is worth a gamble. He’s definitely a risky player given his problems with turnovers and with Andrew Walter looking for more experience and a shot to be the team’s QB of the future.
Gradkowski stumbled for the second week in a row, but barring injury, it looks like he’ll be the starting QB for the Bucs the rest of this season, maybe beyond. He’s fun to watch, but keep him in perspective. He’s a rookie and he is going to struggle and make mistakes. The Bucs have a tough schedule, too. Next week looks good against the Saints. He was productive against them in his first start in New Orleans. After that, it looks tougher at the Panthers, vs Redskins, at Cowboys, at Steelers, vs Falcons then at Bears. Week 17 is at Cleveland. Finally, a break for the youngster. That’s a tough road to hoe. If he’s still standing after that run, he’ll be the favorite to start in 2007, too. Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
Despite reports to the contrary, it looks like HC Joe Gibbs will stick with Mark Brunell. We still think that Campbell’s time is coming soon, especially if this team falls out of playoff contention. Campbell took all of the first team snaps for consecutive days last week, for the first time in his career. That doesn’t mean that he’s taking over as the starter, but it does mean that Campbell is the backup worth owning, not Todd Collins.
Jake Plummer played well enough to save his job for a while longer. Cutler could be on the field at some point this season, but it depends mostly on Jake Plummer’s performance moving forward. If the Broncos, or Plummer, struggle then Cutler could take over and we’ll enter into the Jay Cutler era for the Broncos. As long as the Broncos have playoff aspirations, Plummer should be safe. Cutler could be immediately productive as a starter in this offense, but he needs to get on the field first. Add for Insurance (Backup Plan for playoffs)
Griese got some work this week as the Bears trampled over the visiting San Francisco 49ers 41-10 – it was 41-0 at halftime. Griese completed two out of three passes for 11 yards. Grossman is firmly entrenched as the team’s starter, but Griese is an experience veteran QB with a track record of winning and being productive. He’s a great handcuff for the stretch run.
The Lions are coming off the bye and Jon Kitna is generally amongst the top 5 fantasy QBs in most scoring systems. Kitna doesn’t look like a great QB, but statistically he’s producing great numbers – 1853 yards in seven games with 9 TDs and 9 INTs. He’s also run for two TDs. If you are riding the Kitna wave, do yourself a favor and get McCown for the stretch run. If Kitna gets hurt, McCown could actually produce better numbers because he’s more mobile. The Lions schedule looks great with at least four above average matchups in the last eight games (vs Falcons, vs 49ers, at Cardinals, vs Dolphins, at Patriots, vs Vikings, at Packers, vs Bears). Keep an eye on
David Carr was benched this week after committing three costly turnovers in the first half. HC Gary Kubiak turned to Rosenfels and he responded by completing 18-of-25 for 186 yards with three TDs (and an interception) in 17 minutes. "I preached to this football team the step we have to take as a football team, we have to be able to go on the road, protect the football and play solid football ... We had too many bad things happen to us on the road," Kubiak said. Kubiak said Carr will start for the Texans next week against the NY Giants. Rosenfels has no immediate value, but it’s worth noting that he performed well when called upon. Keep Rosenfels on your short list if you’re a Carr owner, but it looks like Carr’s job is safe and this week’s benching was merely a reaction to his inability to protect the football.
Running Back In most leagues, the waiver options for RBs are slim after the first month of the season. Most of the players available at this point are backups on their NFL teams or part-time players. The players who garner the most attention, especially RBs, are those who benefit from injury and their role increases dramatically (like Ladell Betts) or those who gradually work into a larger role in their team's offense (Jerious Norwood, Maurice Jones-Drew). The backs listed here are gone in most competitive leagues, but not all of them. We’ve covered them in previous weeks, but we continue to list them in the event they are available.
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A week after rushing for 93 yards on 19 carries with a TD and four catches for another 15 yards, Lundy earned the starting gig this week and he delivered. He ran for 116 yards on 18 carries with five catches for 33 yards. Samkon Gado went from starter last week to inactive this week. Ron Dayne was activated and he served as the backup logging five carries for 16 yards and catching 2 balls for 17 yards. If Lundy was somehow cut after the Texans started a game of musical chairs with their RBs, then get him immediately. He’s running well and he looks like the Texans best back by a mile right now.
Mike Bell surprisingly took a goal-line handoff in the first half for a TD, then as the game wore on, he continued to get more carries. Mike, not Tatum, handled the bulk of the rushing load in the second half as he finished with 15 carries for 136 yards with two TDs and one catch for 7 yards. Tatum struggled with turf toe and finished with only 27 yards on 13 carries. It seemed like every time Mike took a handoff he made things happen, while it was just the opposite for Tatum, whose best run was called back on a holding call in the first quarter. No matter what Shanny does next week, Mike Bell’s big game is good news for him and bad news for Tatum. If Tatum’s turf toe lingers, as they have a tendency to do, Mike Bell could be a lot more productive going forward.
Clinton Portis sprained his ankle last week. He was wearing a walking boot all week and he didn’t practice, but the Redskins were on the bye, so it remains to be seen if he’ll be ready for this week’s game. Betts is the starter if Portis can’t go. He’s rostered in most leagues with 12 teams or more, but if he’s out there, then he’s near the top of the list in this week’s waivers. Against the Colts, he took over when Portis went down and finished with 10 carries for 52 yards and 5 catches for 41 yards.
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The Packers reduced Ahman Green’s workload, as promised, this week and Vernand Morency answered the call with his increased role as both backs topped 100 yards rushing. Morency ran for 101 yards on 11 carries including a couple of long runs that went for 23 and 36 yards. Unfortunately, he left the game after suffering a lower back injury against the Cardinals. It’s unknown whether he’ll miss any extended time due to the injury, so keep an eye on our FBG news blogger for details and updates before you grab Morency. The Packers running game seems to be improving, but Ahman Green remains the starter and Vernand Morency the change-of-pace runner. Green looks good, but his recent history is enough to warrant picking up Morency.
The early word out of Pittsburgh is that Verron Haynes will miss the rest of the season. If that’s the case, then Davenport’s role is solidified as the top backup behind Willie Parker. The Steelers Pro Bowl center Jeff Hartings was also injured this week, so that won’t help the Steelers running game, but Davenport is now well positioned as a good handcuff for Parker owners, at the very least, and possibly for a bigger role serving as both a change-of-pace back and potentially adding some third down duties. For those of us who have been wondering if Duce Staley has any gas left in the tank, we should find out this week. Staley could re-emerge as the third down back, but he wasn’t productive in the preseason and we have to wonder if he has anything left to offer. Davenport is the guy you want right now.
Perry was activated from the team’s PUP list last week and he returned to action against the Panthers this week. In his first game back, Perry ran twice for 4 yards and he caught three balls for 26 yards. This week, against the Falcons, Perry caught 2 balls for 12 yards and ran 2 times for 11 yards. He’s a talented backup with big play ability who is a solid RB4 or RB5 in PPR leagues whether you have Rudi Johnson or not.
Williams wasn’t active this week, so he isn’t back yet, but he is close. He’s one injury to DeShaun Foster away from being a potential impact player for the Panthers stretch run. If an impatient owner cut him when he got hurt, then grab him before he returns and makes a few big plays. Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
Lamont Jordan isn’t 100% as his back continues to slow him down. Jordan sat out last week and he shared the rock this week with Fargas and Zack Crockett. Last week, Fargas ran 23 times for 66 yards. He ran 18 times for 55 yards this week against a tough Steelers defense. If Jordan is limited in practice and still not able to handle the bulk of the work next week, then Fargas is worth a look. He’s worth a roster shot at this point. The Raiders have a couple of tough rushing matchups in a row against Seattle and Denver in the next two weeks, but Fargas was semi-productive against the Steelers, so he could be a decent reach if you’re hurting.
Houston is making progress and he could return as early as next week. The Jets featured Leon Washington this week and Kevan Barlow is still getting a healthy number of touches, too. It looks like the Jets will give Washington every opportunity to keep the job, but Houston is capable of producing if he does get back into the mix. Houston has better size than Washington does, but he needs an opportunity.
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Moore is the Vikings primary backup to Chester Taylor. He’s been a productive source for yards in previous stints as the starting RB, so he’s worth a handcuff if you own Taylor. Last week, Moore threw a TD pass and he caught a ball for 5 yards against the Seahawks. The Vikings have a favorable schedule, so having a Taylor/Moore roster combo could be a smart option.
Bennett returned to the field this week. As the backup, he managed 10 times this week for 38 yards. If Larry Johnson gets hurt, Bennett would be the Chiefs first option followed by either Derrick Ross or Dee Brown.
At a minimum, Brian Calhoun is a strong handcuff for Kevin Jones owners. Shawn Bryson was placed on season-ending IR last week giving Calhoun a more clearly defined role as the primary backup and likely featured back if Jones gets hurt. The Lions did sign veteran Arlen Harris, but keep in mind that he was cut before the season. Calhoun is a great fit for the Lions offense. He’s quick like a cat and he can catch the ball well. If Calhoun starts for Jones due to injury, he could be an impact player in this offense.
At this point, Duckett only holds value if Clinton Portis is unable to play. Duckett has been a non-factor since he was acquired before the season began from the Falcons. If Portis is unable to go this week, Duckett would likely be the team’s primary backup to Ladell Betts. Duckett may even get some goal line work. If Portis plays, then Duckett is merely window dressing.
Pittman caught 5 passes this week for 38 yards and he ran twice for 2 more yards
against the Giants. Last week, Pittman combined for 37 yards against the Eagles.
If Cadillac gets hurt, Pittman would be a solid starter, particularly in PPR
leagues. Outside of being Williams’ handcuff, Pittman has little value.
After watching Tatum Bell and Mike Bell enjoy success so far this year, it’s not without question that Cedric Cobbs couldn’t get a shot at some point this season and put up good numbers himself. Cobbs has missed almost all of the season with a high ankle sprain, but he’s healthy now. Tatum is limited by a turf toe and Mike Bell is now back in the fold, apparently. If either back gets hurt, Cobbs would instantly draw a lot more attention on the waiver wire. If you own either of the Broncos backs, you might even consider adding Cobbs now, just in case.
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Sapp is emerging as a player of interest in the Broncos backfield. Sapp was a productive collegiate back. As a Bronco, he’s primarily a fullback. This week, Shanahan called his number a couple of times and he gashed the Colts for big gains (39 yds on two carries). We saw Reuben Droughns go from backup fullback to the Broncos featured back, so we’ve learned never to rule out the nearly impossible. If Tatum Bell, Mike Bell and Cedric Cobbs all get hurt, Sapp’s a name to remember. Until then, he’ll just be someone to watch now that he’s coming off a nice game.
Crockett is getting a few touches each week with LaMont Jordan limited with a sore back. Crockett is most effective in short yardage situations. This week he ran three times for 7 yards and he caught 1 pass for 3 yards. He’ll continue to fill a limited role as long as Jordan and Fargas are healthy. ReShard Lee is also in the mix, so in the event that Fargas and Jordan get hurt, Crockett would likely split carries with Lee.
Wide Receiver Here's a list of the top players that are likely to be available for those of you in smaller leagues. If any of these players remain on waivers, then grab them first. If not, keep digging and look at our players below for more options.
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The Bengals activated Henry for this week’s game after he served a two-game
suspension and missed another game. He is as much trouble for opposing defenses
when he’s on the field as he is for law enforcement officers off the field. He
caught five balls for 81 yards and a TD this week against the Falcons. In his
last three games, Henry has 15 catches, 263 yards and 3 TDs. If he’s somehow
available in your league, jump on him before he’s suspended again.
Porter’s 4-game suspension was reduced and Porter was activated and in the starting lineup this week against the Steelers. Andrew Walter only completed five passes, but one went to Porter for a key 19-yard reception to the Steelers 4 yard line for a first and goal. He was targeted three times. With Porter back in the lineup and Aaron Brooks set to return soon, maybe there’s a small chance the Raiders offense rebounds and plays better in the second half of the season.
Lelie caught a 28-yard pass on the first play from scrimmage this week. He’s
been on steadily improving since becoming a member of the Falcons. Against the
Bengals, he finished with 55 yards on three catches. He was targeted six times
this week. He caught four balls for 58 yards last week against the Steelers.
Before that, he produced 48, 61, 14 and 58 yards in the Falcons previous games.
He’s a big play threat, and he’s getting more comfortable in the Falcons
offense. None of the Falcons WRs are of tremendous value, all things considered,
but Lelie is worth stashing on the back end of your roster just in case Vick’s
sudden surge in passing stats continues for some uncanny reason.
Booker had a huge week seven against the Packers catching 7 passes for 110 yards and a TD, plus a 2-pt conversion. Don’t expect big numbers from Booker moving forward, but he could produce a few strong games the rest of the way. He’s a good receiver who is solid after the catch, but he’ll be competing for touches with Chris Chambers, Wes Welker, Randy McMichael and Ronnie Brown, not to mention rookie Derek Hagan who could push him for playing time later this season (and possibly displace him as a starter next year).
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Curtis had his best performance of the season this week catching seven passes
for 79 yards and a TD. In his last three games, Curtis has 12 catches for 152
yards and two TDs. If Isaac Bruce or Torry Holt gets hurt, Curtis would play an
even larger role and instantly become a solid WR3 or WR4.
A couple of weeks ago, Martin was elevated to the Packers No. 3 job after Koren Robinson was suspended and Robert Ferguson placed on season-ending IR. When Greg Jennings sprained his ankle last week, Martin became the Packers’ No. 2 WR. He made his first NFL start this week against the Cardinals and he produced two catches for 26 yards. He was targeted five times. Last week, as the No. 3, he caught two balls for 25 yards against the Dolphins. He could have some value in the second half of the season. Jennings may not be 100% for a few weeks and Favre is throwing the ball well enough that Martin could reasonably produce some useful numbers in the next few weeks.
Jurevicius didn’t catch a pass this week, but last week he was a factor with
four catches for 40 yards and a TD. Since returning from injury, Jurevicius had
10 catches for 90 yards and 2 TDs in three games before not catching a ball this
week. He should catch a few more TDs the rest of the way, so consider him in
leagues weighted more towards TDs.
Battle caught four balls for 32 yards against the Bears this week. He’s a decent possession receiver for the 49ers and he’s been targeted about 4 or 5 times in every game and he’s produced 24 receptions for 265 yards and two TDs in the team’s first seven games. He’s not a difference maker in terms of a fantasy WR, but he could provide some good depth and be useful as a spot starter if you’re in a pinch.
The Redskins are coming off a bye, so Santana Moss had an extra week to rest and recover from a nagging hamstring problem. Antwaan Randle-El was also dealing with some nagging injuries. If the Redskins WRs continue to have any lingering effects of these injuries, then Lloyd’s number could get call more often. When the Redskins dealt for Lloyd in the off-season, it was assumed that he would play a significant role in the Redskins pass offense, but that has not been the case (at least statistically). Keep an eye on Lloyd going forward. He may not amount to anything, but he’s a player with some upside because of his great hands and ability to make big plays downfield. If Moss, especially, is limited then Lloyd will be counted on for more production.
Parker has only one catch in each of the last two games, but he caught 10 passes for 109 yards and a TD in the Chiefs previous two games. He’s been targeted 6 times or more in three of the last six games. Realistically, he’s the Chiefs third or fourth option in the passing game behind Tony Gonzalez, Eddie Kennison and even Larry Johnson.
Washington caught a Hail Mary pass at the end of this week’s game to avoid being shut out of the box score. His lone catch went for 49 yards, but it wasn’t enough as the Steelers fell to the Raiders 20-13. Washington has 10 catches for 238 yards and 2 TDs in the last four games. Santonio Holmes is emerging as a big play threat, so he could supplant Washington and erode some of his value. For now, both players are getting the ball and both are making plays. Holmes is probably the better bet for the rest of the season, but Washington deserves a look, too.
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Holmes is becoming a bigger part of the Steelers offense after a slow start in his rookie season. In the last three games, Holmes has nine catches for 182 yards and 13 yards rushing. He’s a big play threat and he’s the team’s punt returner. He could produce a few big games in the second half of the season. He should see more targets as the season progresses.
Hackett is making the most of Bobby Engram’s absence. This week, he caught a 8-yard TD from Seneca Wallace in the first quarter this week and he finished with 3 catches for 25. He produced 4-37-0 and 3-66-0 in the two previous games. The next four games are against the Raiders, Rams, 49ers, and Packers. If Hackett remains the team’s No. 3 WR, then he could be productive and warrant a roster spot.
Jackson is finally healthy and we expect him to become a bigger part of the
Patriots offense in the second half of the season. Doug Gabriel has emerged as
the go-to receiver for Tom Brady, but Jackson should ultimately emerge as the
starter opposite him at some point in the second half of this year. Jackson has
great speed and hands, but he’s just a rookie. He already has two TDs despite
playing briefly in a few games.
Crayton is the Cowboys No. 3 WR. He caught 1 ball for 13 yards this week and he 13 catches for 175 yards and 2 TDs on the season. Crayton has good size, great hands and the ability to make big plays after the catch. If Terry Glenn gets hurt, Crayton’s stock would jump immediately. He’s reasonably productive for a No. 3 WR, but if you own Glenn, then Crayon might be a good investment for the playoffs just to cover yourself.
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David Givens may return to the lineup next week, but he’s been out for about a month giving Jones an opportunity to work in the starting lineup. This week, Jones didn’t record a catch, but he caught three passes in each of the Titans last two game, including a TD. He was targeted 10 times As long as Givens is out, Jones will start opposite Drew Bennett, but his run as the starter may be over. Givens is worth a look if/when he’s healthy and returns. Until then, Jones is it. Keep in mind; with Vince Young at QB, the Titans aren’t producing a lot of passing yards, so none of the Titans WRs are worth a whole lot in the bigger picture.
As long as Larry Fitzgerald is sidelined, Walters is worth a look in deeper leagues, especially those with PPR scoring. Walters caught 5 balls this week for 54 yards and a TD. He’s the Cardinals No. 3 WR for the moment and he’ll be the team’s No. 4 WR when Fitzgerald returns to the lineup. He led the Cardinals in catches and yards this week and he caught the only TD.
Keep an eye on
Francies and Bodiford aren’t worth anything right now, but at the rate the Packers are losing WRs, these two deserve a mention. Bodiford is an undrafted rookie, who originally stuck with the Lions in training camp, but he was cut a couple weeks ago and the Packers claimed him. Francies was activated from the Packers practice squad about a week ago. These two are all the Packers have for depth behind Donald Driver and Ruvell Martin right now.
Francies and Bodiford aren’t worth anything right now, but at the rate the Packers are losing WRs, these two deserve a mention. Bodiford is an undrafted rookie, who originally stuck with the Lions in training camp, but he was cut a couple weeks ago and the Packers claimed him. Francies was activated from the Packers practice squad about a week ago. These two are all the Packers have for depth behind Donald Driver and Ruvell Martin right now.
Tight End Here's a list of the top players that are likely to be available for those of you in smaller leagues. If any of these players remain on waivers, then grab them first. If not, keep digging and look at our players below for more options.
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Daniels had HUGE game for the Texans on Sunday catching 9 passes for 99 yards with 2 TDs. He now had 5 TDs on the season. For a rookie, that’s amazing, but it’s also impressive for any TE to have 5 TDs by this point in the season. Daniels had 9 catches for 84 yards coming into this week’s game, but now he has 18 catches for 183 yards. He’s a good all-around player who can block, catch and run. HC Gary Kubiak inserted him as the team’s starter from day one and he appears to be finding his groove. He’s not available in most leagues, but if he’s out there, then don’t hesitate grabbing him. He could produce starter numbers the rest of the way.
After several weeks of wondering when Stevens will finally return to the lineup
– he did this week. Stevens caught a 2-yard TD pass from Seneca Wallace and he
finished with 3 receptions for 20 yards against the Chiefs. Stevens has the
potential to finish the second half with top 10 fantasy numbers. He’s a big
target with WR-like abilities. Look for the Seahawks to lean on him more the
rest of the way. If he’s available, grab him while you can.
The Packers injuries are piling up at wide receiver. Enough so, that Martin is being utilized more heavily and the Packers are using more two tight end formations. He caught four passes for 48 yards including a 1-yard TD against the Cardinals. Last week, he caught two balls for 31 yards with a TD. As Bubba Franks gets older, slower and less productive, Favre is leaning on Martin more heavily. Unfortunately, Martin fell victim to injury himself this week. He injured his jaw against the Cardinals and the team took X-rays following the game. The results are not available yet, so be sure to check out news blogger for the latest details surrounding his injury. If he’s ok to play going forward, then he could produce starter-quality numbers over the next few weeks while Greg Jennings nurses a sprained ankle. If he’s not ok, then obviously you don’t want to grab him but first check our news blogger for any updates pertaining to his jaw.
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It only took a couple of months, but Scheffler finally produced his first solid game of his rookie season. Against the Colts, Scheffler caught four balls for 51 yards. He even added three rushing yards on a “tight”-end around. The rookie out of Western Michigan looked great in the preseason. He earned the starting job, but he’s been super quiet all season up until this week. Look for him to continue to grow in the offense the rest of the way. He could finish the 2nd half of the season with respectable numbers and give your team a solid option off the bench, if needed.
Anderson failed to catch a pass this week, but there were a few near completions to him that would’ve went for big plays. Anderson will struggle to produce consistent numbers as long as the Raiders offense is mired in a funk. With Jerry Porter back in the lineup and perhaps Aaron Brooks next week, there’s a chance the Raiders could turn it around. Even if they don’t, Anderson has been productive enough to warrant a roster spot. Last week, he caught three balls for 55 yards. Keep in mind, Anderson won’t do it every week, but if you pick your spots wisely he could be a solid backup for your roster and give you another solid option in case of injury.
Wilson is an odd example of a tight end that hasn’t been productive, but due to injury, switched to fullback and now he is more productive. Last week he caught two balls for 13 yards and a TD. This week, he caught two passes for 26 yards. Keep in mind, he’s not “breaking out”, but it looks like he could be good for 2-3 receptions each week while operating out of the backfield. He’s still listed as a TE, so you may be able to take advantage of the positional change and use Wilson to secure your depth. Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
Davis is expected to miss 1 to 2 more games. When he returns, look for the 49ers to get him involved in the passing game and target him frequently. Davis could be a worthy pickup for the final 5-6 weeks of the season if he’s able to make any impact at all. He was well on his way to doing that before he got hurt, but coming off a broken leg, it’s hard to predict whether he’ll be able to pick up where he left off, or not.
Klopfenstein caught one ball for three yards this week. For the season, the Rams rookie TE has 8 catches for 121 yards and 1 TD. He’s a good all-around tight end who has started for the Rams since opening day. He’s not being targeted enough to sustain a roster spot in most leagues, but he come on in the second half of the season. Keep in mind he’s competing with Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Steven Jackson and even Kevin Curtis for balls, but he’s a good player who will only get better going forward. He may provide your team with a good depth and be a good backup, but don’t count on him as a starter until he shows more.
Pope made a 22-yard catch this week and had he caught the football he would’ve had another catch as well against the Packers. The second pass hit Pope in stride and his hands failed him. Pope will be fine and he’s another player that we think could improve down the stretch. He’s a huge target, but he’ll be lucky to get a lot of catches competing with the likes of Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald (when he returns), Edgerrin James and Bryant Johnson for targets. He’s one of several rookie TEs with a starting job that would blossom down the stretch. It’s hard to predict success for young TEs, but Pope has the size and ability to develop into a solid player. Add for Insurance (Injury or bye week replacement)
Ernie Conwell missed the last two games due to injury. Campbell is starting in his place. This week, Campbell caught four passes for 42 yards. Campbell is a short-term replacement in the lineup so when Conwell is back, he’ll have no fantasy value. While Conwell is out, Campbell’s value is still limited, but if your waiver wire is thin, he might be one of the few available that has a starting job.
Daniel Graham is a free agent at the end of the season. Thomas was drafted with Graham’s eventual departure in mind, as was fellow rookie TE/HB/FB Garrett Mills. Thomas could emerge next year in the Patriots offense alongside Ben Watson. Whether he’ll suffer from the same fate as Graham and Watson – not getting enough targets consistently from week to week - remains to be seen.
Kicker Here's a list of the top players that are likely to be available for those of you in smaller leagues. If any of these players remain on waivers, then grab them for your bye week needs or as a new starter if your current kicker is not producing as much as you need.
Defense At this point in the season the best defenses are almost always gone. Some defenses are cut during the season because owners don’t like to carry more than one defense so they can use roster spots for an extra RB, QB or WR. Some owners prefer to go with a Defense-by-committee approach and play the matchups to the best of their ability each week. That strategy often requires a weekly look at the waiver wire defenses so they can grab one with a good home matchup for that week. There may be some defenses with a good schedule during the fantasy playoffs that remains available in your league. Here’s the list of defenses to target down the stretch to use either as a starting defense or to platoon with another defense and play the matchups.
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