WAIVER PICKUPS
Josh McCown QB CHI (Owned in 34% of Yahoo! leagues)
With McCown filling in quite admirably, Marc Trestman’s offense hasn’t missed a beat during Jay Cutler’s absence. In McCown’s starts, he’s averaged 18.5 FPPG, which would match Tony Romo’s average, who is currently #7 overall at the position. Cutler’s status for Week 14 is still highly questionable and the Bears won’t feel rushed to get him back on the field. The Dallas defense has allowed the second most points to opposing passers and McCown would be locked in as a QB1 with the start this Monday night.
Case Keenum QB HOU (29%)
The young quarterback has experienced quite the amount of turbulence of late. He notched seven passing touchdowns in his first three starts and was a hot ticket free agent, but then disappointed to the point of being benched in Week 11. He’s now back under center and eyeing up another matchup versus a Jacksonville defense that has allowed the third most points to opposing quarterbacks. While Keenum laid an egg last time he faced the Jaguars, he’s still surrounded by plenty of weapons and I’m expecting a better showing his second time around - enough to squeeze him inside the top-15 at the position this week.
Ryan Fitzpatrick QB TEN (11%)
Fitzpatrick continues to prove useful as a spot-starter; he notched 201 yards and a touchdown in the air, while adding 54 yards and another touchdown on the ground this past week. He’s still widely available and savvy owners have already circled his Week 16 game versus the previously mentioned Jaguars defense.
Bobby Rainey RB TB (64%)
Down from 66% owned last week, Rainey should be tops on the priority list if he’s still floating around on the waiver wire. In a tough matchup versus Carolina, he grinded out a tough 63 yards on 17 carries and added eight yards on two receptions. He’s established himself as the lead back and has now had at least 18 touches in each of the past three games. Rainey should be viewed as a strong RB2 versus a Buffalo defense that has allowed 4.25 yards-per-carry (eight worse in the NFL) to opposing backs.
Chris Ivory RB NYJ (57%)
After suffering an ankle injury in Week 12, Ivory managed to suit up in Week 13 and lead the Jets’ backfield (13 touches and 73 total yards). He’s now averaging a sturdy 4.40 yards-per-carry and should be the focal point of a dysfunctional offense at home versus a middle-of-the-road Oakland defense. He can be viewed as an upside RB3 / Flex this week.
Donald Brown RB IND (44%)
The Indianapolis coaching staff’s reluctance to start Brown was understandable as they invested a First Round draft pick in Trent Richardson. However, they finally made the decision to go with the more productive Brown just prior to last Sunday’s game. He was on the field for a season-high 52 snaps compared to just 13 for Richardson. In those snaps, Brown total 54 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while adding 10 more yards on two receptions. As the lead back, Brown will get enough touches to merit starting him as an RB3 / Flex.
Kendall Wright WR TEN (64%)
The sophomore receiver is quietly on pace for 95 receptions and 1120 yards - those numbers themselves are enough to designate him as a WR2 in PPR leagues. He’s recorded at least 69 receiving yards in each of his last eight games and at least 77 yards in each of his last four games, developing into one of the most consistent receivers in the league. Keeping him in check is an abnormally low touchdown rate (just two touchdowns on 71 receptions), but that is due for regression. Wright should not only be owned in all leagues, but starting as a WR3.
Julian Edelman WR NE (55%)
Edelman’s 70 receptions and 711 yards, which are eerily similar to Wes Welker’s current totals of 68 and 717, put him on a pace for 93 and 948 respectfully. In the past two games, Edelman has accounted for nine receptions and 100+ yards, while also seeing more snaps than Danny Amendola in each of the past four games. While there is a bust factor due to the Patriots ever-changing game plans, Edelman has to be considered as a WR4 at the very least, with a boost to a WR3 PPR formats.
Michael Crabtree WR SF (48%)
In Crabtree’s first game of the season, he saw the field for 43 of San Francisco’s 70 snaps. During that time, he reeled in two of his four targets for 68 yards, including a 60-yard reception on a double-move that he also threw a mean stiff-arm on. He’s not a recommended start this week versus Seattle, but will creep up the rankings in Week 15 (@TB with an injured Darrelle Revis) and then make for a WR2 play in Week 16 (ATL at home).
Nate Burleson WR DET (42%)
After catching at least six passes in each of his four games this season, Burleson did not even merit one target this past week. The zero targets is even more surprising when you consider that he was on the field for 60 of Detroit’s 83 offensive snaps. If he wasn’t already a free agent in your league, he may be dropped soon enough. If you’re struggling at the receiver position, Burleson is a good bet to bounce back in Week 14 versus Philadelphia and makes for a low-end WR3 in PPR leagues.
Garrett Graham TE HOU (35%)
Over the past three weeks, Graham has averaged 9.7 targets and not missed an offensive snap. He also caught five passes last time out versus Jacksonville, albeit for only 32 yards. In a rematch this week, Graham should be considered as a back-end TE1.
Ladarius Green TE SD (10%)
His size (6’ 5.75”) and speed (4.47 40-yard dash) resemble the measureables of an elite wide receiver. It’s no fluke that he’s been able to rack up 354 yards on just 16 receptions, which works out to be a whopping 22.1 YPR. Last week in a game in which Antonio Gates played 62 of 67 snaps, Green also played 61 snaps. San Diego should be expected to continue using two-tight end formations in order to get their best playmakers on the field. With a welcoming schedule on tap (NYG, @DEN, OAK), Green should begin to receive consideration as a low TE1.
Texans DST HOU (54%)
Opposing DSTs have averaged 14.58 fantasy points versus Jacksonville this season - only Eli Manning’s Giants have been more friendly to their opponents. In Week 12 versus the Jaguars, the Texans allowed only 14 points and 333 total yards, while recording four sacks.
Jets DST NYJ (15%)
Oakland has been the sixth most friendly team for opposing DSTs to face and will be traveling cross-country to take on a a frustrated Jets team. Rex Ryan is fighting for his job and will look to get back to the basics of his ground-and-pound philosophy. I expect the defense to show up and play well enough to be a top-12 play this week.
Alex Henery K PHI (10%)
Every point counts and although kickers can be unpredictable, I’m going to put my faith in Henery for the ever-crucial Week 14. Detroit has allowed the third most points to kickers this season (9.08 FPPG) and Philadelphia’s offense should be in line for plenty of scoring opportunities in a high-scoring affair.
*All snap counts and targets in this article are courtesy of ProFootballFocus.com
You can find me on Twitter, @KyleWachtel, where I’d be happy to answer any of your questions.