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Week 9 Waiver Wire Reportby Bob Henry, Exclusive to Footballguys.com
Quarterback Add Immediately (Impact potential)
Even if Garcia continues to make costly blunders (like the one that lost the game this week in overtime), he’s not likely to concede the starting job back to Joey Harrington. The Lions schedule has a few good matchups the rest of the way with a couple tougher ones, too. Garcia could come in handy against Minnesota (twice), Arizona and New Orleans
It’s looking like Daunte Culpepper will be out for a while after spraining his knee on Sunday. Johnson has been successful in the past, but it’s hard to get too excited about the Vikings offense this year no matter who is leading the ship, so to speak. Johnson stepped in and threw for 162 yards but completed only 13 out of 28 passes while throwing one TD. Surprisingly he ran for 30 yards, too. Don’t count on that happening again. At this point in the season, Johnson might be at the top of the free agent QBs in your league.
In Simms’ first start since replacing Brian Griese, he started slowly, but finished strong throwing for 264 yards highlighted by a 78-yard TD to Joey Galloway. In most leagues, Simms was snatched up quickly a couple weeks back when Griese tore up his knee. If he’s still available, he’s definitely worth a roster spot even if you have a strong starter – just for insurance. He’s in a good offense and he could easily be a top 10 or 15 fantasy QB for the remainder of the season. Add For Depth (Starter potential)
Boller could be worth a look in deeper leagues for the rest of the season. The Ravens defense isn’t playing very well so they may not have the luxury of running the ball as often as they have in the past. Boller should benefit from an improved receiving corps even though his early season struggles would suggest otherwise. The whole Ravens team is in a downward spiral, but Boller could be a decent backup option if the matchup is right and you get a little bit lucky.
Frerotte probably won’t lead anybody deep into the playoffs – including the Dolphins – but he’s a decent guy to stash as a backup or third QB for those of you in deeper leagues. He’s inconsistent, but he’ll jump up and produce some big games occasionally, too. He didn’t do much against a beatable Saints secondary this week. He passed for 168 yards with a TD and an interception. That’s about par for the course for Gus.
Testaverde is hanging around in most leagues, but he’s just not very inspiring as a fantasy QB. He may put together a couple nice games over the last couple of months, but more often than not, he won’t help you in most leagues. Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
As the losses mount Romeo Crennel will almost certainly turn to this local product out of Akron. Frye looked good in preseason, but it would be presumptuous to think he’ll step right in as a rookie and become productive. Ben Roethlisberger did it last year, but that’s more of the exception than the norm. Frye is a great dynasty league prospect, especially if Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow live up to expectations.
Orton doesn’t look pretty most of the time, but he’s forging ahead and the Bears are winning a fair amount of games thanks to their ability to run the football and play sound defense. Orton produced 230 yds and a TD this week against the Lions (on the road no less). He might put together a couple surprisingly productive games down the stretch. He may have lost rookie starter Mark Bradley for a while to injury this week, but he’s still an option in deeper leagues or those where you must start 2 QBs.
McNair continues to grind through the season, but he’s banged up (as always) and he’s probably going to be no better than “questionable” from here on out. His ailing back is an ominous sign. Volek has proven ability to step in and guide the Titans offense productively. It might only be a matter of time before he’s starting again.
Josh McCown didn’t look good again this week. Who knows if Dennis Green will make the switch back to Warner? If McCown continues to stink up the joint like he has the past two weeks, Warner might get another shot. He’s a decent speculative pickup if you can afford the roster spot. Add for Next Year (Dynasty potential)
It took about one series to realize that Cody Pickett is a better fantasy QB than Ken Dorsey is. Alex Smith is obviously the team’s QB of the future, but Pickett looks like the team’s best long-term backup unless they draft or sign another QB in the off-season. Pickett can run and he’s at least more athletic than the noodle-armed Dorsey is. Neither one is anything to get excited about, but Pickett could be a late bloomer. With a stroke of luck, he could emerge as a player down the road. Unfortunately, his only shot at becoming a player with any fantasy value would be if Alex Smith suffers a long-term injury.
Ramsey actually saw some action this week, but that’s not why he’s appearing here. The Redskins will ride Brunell until he’s done and who knows how long he’ll last (maybe not even to the end of this year). Jason Campbell is their QB of the future making Ramsey decent trade bait for another team this off-season. He probably won’t walk into a starting job, but he should get a chance to compete for the job somewhere. Would it be a shock if he landed some place like Detroit with a good young WR corps? Running Back Add Immediately (Impact potential)
The longer Julius Jones is on the sidelines, the better Marion Barber looks. The rookie ran for 127 yards with two TDs this week. Bill Parcells seems increasingly frustrated by Julius Jones’ lack of durability. Until Jones is back in the saddle, Barber looks great. His two game rushing totals as the Cowboys’ main back are 49 carries for 222 yards. The Cowboys have a bye week, so it’s hard to say whether he’ll get another start (or not). He’s definitely worth the gamble knowing that even if Jones does return – he could get hurt again.
Bell might only be available in six or eight team leagues. If he is still available in any leagues bigger than that, then we’d have to recommend finding a more competitive league. All kidding aside, the primary reason he’s on this list is simply acknowledging his ridiculous rushing average of 7.0 yds/carry. Mike Anderson remains the starter, but at his current rate, he seems to be breaking off long TD runs about every 10 to 15 carries – or almost once a game and sometimes a couple times a game. It’s scary to start a backup RB, but both Bell and Anderson are on pace for over 1,000 yards this year.
Benson got some action this week after Thomas Jones was sidelined with a rib injury and Adrian Peterson didn’t do much in his place. Benson flashed his ability running for 35 yards on three carries. We’ve seen how serious Thomas Jones is about keeping his job, so don’t count him out, but if he’s unable to go then Benson might finally get a shot.
Fisher was probably snagged in most leagues last week. He’s the Packers’ featured back now after injuries sidelined Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport for the year. He ran for 51 yards on 17 carries this week with a TD. He should be a solid starter the rest of the season, especially in PPR leagues since he’s a solid receiver. If you can still grab him off waivers, do it.
Antowain Smith and Aaron Stecker continue to split carries for the Saints. Neither one was very productive this week against Miami. Stecker ran for 23 yards, but also caught three balls for 16 yards. We repeat our assessment from last week. Stecker is a solid option for you off the bench in PPR leagues. Smith is the same in leagues that are geared more towards yards or TDs.
Antowain Smith and Aaron Stecker continue to split carries for the Saints. Neither one was very productive this week against Miami. Stecker ran for 23 yards, but also caught three balls for 16 yards. We repeat our assessment from last week. Stecker is a solid option for you off the bench in PPR leagues. Smith is the same in leagues that are geared more towards yards or TDs. Add For Depth (Starter potential)
In some leagues, Gore was drafted, then dropped, picked up again and dropped again. He’s getting a decent amount of work each week as Kevan Barlow’s understudy, but if an injury strikes, his value could be great. In the last three weeks, he’s carried the ball 8, 9 and 10 times producing 31, 89 and 40 yards scoring 1 TD. He’s like a poor man’s Tatum Bell, but he did break off a nice 72-yard TD a week ago. It would definitely be worth adding him to your roster if your starting depth is shaky and he’s lingering.
Green ran the ball 10 times this week for 48 yards. Reuben Droughns isn’t playing horribly, but he’s not exactly producing as well as hoped. He didn’t even rack 100 yards against the Texans in what was supposed to be a patsy of a matchup. Green could earn a bigger role if he’s productive with his opportunities. Lee Suggs can’t stay healthy, Droughns may be running his way out of the starting job long-term and Green will be a free agent soon.
Jones was a hot pickup last week and probably a “dud” for many folks this week if they started him thinking Fred Taylor wouldn’t play. If Taylor is sidelined, Jones will definitely be a good guy to consider starting, but Taylor looked great running for 165 yards and a TD this week. Jones will now go back to full back. Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
Arrington is still struggling and seems to go down the instant he’s hit by a defender. Marcel Shipp hasn’t been very productive either. As the losses mount for the Cardinals, Green might want to get more touches to his rookie back to see what kind of production he might get out of him in the future. The jury is out right now.
Stephen Davis continues to be a TD machine and DeShaun Foster is quite a talent as far as backups go. Yet we all know both backs could go down at any time. Goings proved himself last year as a capable back. The coaches love him and if either of those guys get hurt again, he could slide right back into a starting or backup role. He’s probably not worth grabbing yet, but things would change quickly if either back in front of him has a setback.
Jacobs is a rock solid pickup if you have Tiki Barber. If not, he’s still a good player to gamble on if you can burn the roster spot. He’ll continue to get some opportunities spelling Tiki and he’ll steal a few TDs, too.
Pearman broke off a 45 yard run this week. While Greg Jones got the bulk of the work when Taylor was out, Pearman is more reliable because he plays on third downs when Taylor is healthy. In PPR leagues, he’s worth rostering, but in regular leagues, he’s still a long shot to be the team’s featured back barring a run of injuries.
Staley remains inactive each week and he probably won’t be activated anytime soon. However, if Willie Parker or Jerome Bettis aren’t available for any reason, then he could be valuable. Bill Cowher said Staley might not be 100% at any time this year, but he’s probably out there in most leagues and could still re-appear at some point. Add for Insurance (Injury or bye week replacement)
Lee is backing up Tony Fisher and could work his way into a bigger role over the last two months. He’s only worth a look in deeper leagues or if you have Fisher and want to lock in the Packers RB. Normally, that would be a good ploy, but this year the Packers are struggling on the ground.
Thomas Jones was forced out of this week’s game with an injury to his ribs. Jones’ has been incredibly focused on keeping his job, so don’t count him out next week. However, if Jones is sidelined, then Peterson will almost certainly split carries with Cedric Benson, possibly even start ahead of him. Others to Keep an Eye On
If you’re in a league that rewards points for receptions, give Bryson a look. He’s strictly a 3rd down back, but he might be worth a look in deeper leagues and would definitely play a larger role if Kevin Jones were to get hurt.
Johnson is scoring consistently enough that he might be worth a look in deep leagues that start fullbacks or those that are TD only.
Who knows if Ward will ever amount to anything? He was an extremely productive back coming out of college… albeit, a small college. He got some carries this week because the game was out of hand and the Giants were coasting. He’s not likely to see much time looking ahead though, barring injury of course. In dynasty leagues, he might be worth a look if you can stow him away on some sort of practice squad. Wide Receiver Add Immediately (Impact potential)
Chatman is doing a nice job filling in for the Packers. He caught 8 passes for 97 yards this week. The way the Packers are going, they’ll continue throwing the ball a lot. Chatman is a great short-term solution over the next 2-3 weeks or until Robert Ferguson returns. Even then, he’ll be targeted often in the slot and he could continue to have some value.
Engram might be able to return to the starting lineup following the Seahawks’ bye week. He was productive earlier this year in that capacity and figures to resume where he left off providing that he is good to go with his ribs. He’s floating around in quite a few leagues, so if pick him up before he returns and has a good game if he’s out there.
If Anquan Boldin is out for a few weeks or longer, Johnson will have a greater opportunity to produce. Johnson’s been targeted often at times this year with poor results, so the jury is out whether he’ll be able to fill Boldin’s shoes adequately or not. The key here is opportunity. If he’s available, he might be the top guy on your waiver wire. The Cardinals can’t run the ball, so the table is set for Johnson to live up to his draft billing.
Roby filled in for the Titans this week as both Drew Bennett and Brandon Jones were unavailable. He was a track star at Indiana and McNair looked his way often against the Raiders. He caught seven balls for 83 yards and a TD. As long as Bennett or Jones are out, Roby is a solid addition and sleeper play as a spot starter. Long term, he could be one of the Titans top three receivers along with Bennett and Jones.
Reggie Williams was roughed up this week and Ernest Wilford took advantage of increased playing time. Wilford made an excellent TD grab on a deflection and he finished with six catches for 145 yards. Wilford brings a lot of size as an inviting target downfield and in the red zone for Byron Leftwich. He has great hands, too. If Williams is unable to play, then Wilford is an excellent player you could pickup and possibly start depending on your current talent. Add For Depth (Starter potential)
Battle began the season great, but then he was sidelined because of injury and subsequently cut in most leagues. Now, Tim Rattay has been traded and Alex Smith is the team’s starter – when healthy. Worst yet, Battle still isn’t 100% and Ken Dorsey started for the 49ers this last week. When/if Battle returns he’ll be worth a look, but mostly in PPR leagues. The 49ers passing attack won’t be too productive with Smith at the helm, at least not right away.
Colbert was dropped in lot of leagues after not producing anything during the first two months. He only caught two balls this week for 32 yards, but finally scored a TD, too. The way Steve Smith is scorching defense, Colbert will be lucky to get table scraps and Rod Gardner remains a threat to his playing time. He’s still a decent receiver and worth a look depending on your current roster, depth and league size.
If Mark Bradley’s out for any length of time then Justin Gage gets a brand new lease on a potential starting job. He caught two balls for 47 yards this week against the Lions after Bradley produced 88 yards on five catches. He’s been long on sleeper talent and short on production in the past, but it’s still too early to write him off. He might be worth a roster spot in deeper leagues, but mostly if Bradley is out. Otherwise, he’s not targeted enough to make a difference on a weak passing team.
Gardner is slowly growing into a larger role with the Panthers. With his size, he could be a good red zone option opposite Steve Smith. Jake Delhomme is playing out of his mind, so if he gets an opportunity for an expanded role, then consider picking him up.
Rogers is back in week 9 after serving his four-game suspension. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be productive, but he did seem to click a little better with Jeff Garcia in the preseason, so you never know. He was cut in most leagues after his suspension was handed down by the league. If he’s out there, then he could be a solid gamble for the rest of the season. Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
Davis is healthy and working his way into the Patriots rotation again. He still has excellent speed and can return kicks, too. If he ever stays healthy long enough to earn a role on this team, he could flourish with a QB like Tom Brady.
Jones keeps making big plays, but not frequently enough to have much value in a starting capacity. He’s excellent in dynasty leagues, of course, but still not productive or consistent enough in redraft leagues. If you’re looking for a rookie who could blow up for a couple of big games in the second half of the season, Jones might be your guy.
Mathis had a 34-yard TD this week and produced a few big kickoff returns for the Texans. He’s only a rookie and he’ll only get better with time. As a dynasty league option, he shouldn’t be on the waiver wire. He has elite speed and decent size, but he’s short on experience against NFL caliber talent since he played at Hampton. Don’t worry though. He’s a keeper. For re-draft leagues, he could emerge in the last two months as a big play threat and possibly move up as high as the team’s third receiver.
Parrish is getting closer and closer to being 100%. At least he’s back on the field and getting some playing time in the slot. He’s lightning quick and he could be a sleeper in the second half of the season. He supplanted Josh Reed in training camp before he got hurt. If the Bills can get some decent play from Holcomb, Parrish could have a couple breakout games down the stretch. He’s a nice dynasty leaguer.
Vines played well this week against the Bears filling in for the injured Roy Williams. He’ll be relegated back to the bench next week though. Charles Rogers returns from suspension and Williams’ might be back from his sprained ankle, too. Vines has good size and decent speed. He caught five balls for 61 yards and rushed for 7 yards on a reverse. Add for Next Year (Dynasty potential)
Cotchery probably won’t do anything this year. However, if the Jets ever get a quarterback, then Cotchery is well worth a roster spot for next year and beyond. He’s still developing, but at NC State, he was extremely productive and quite a playmaker. Wayne Chrebet won’t be back in 2006 and Cotchery will likely be the Jets’ slot receiver in the worst-case scenario. Others to Keep an Eye On
Devoe got an opportunity this week and he took advantage of it catching five balls for 59 yards including a 44-yard TD. He’s competing with Charlie Adams and Darrius Watts for the Broncos backup spots, but Watts is heading in the wrong direction and DeVoe is getting more playing time as a result. He might simply be a flash in the pan and one-week wonder. Ashley Lelie was banged up this week, so Devoe could get some looks next week, too. Tight End Add Immediately (Impact potential)
Franks is still hanging around in smaller leagues after missing about a month with a sprained knee. The Packers are hurting for healthy receivers. Franks is going to continue seeing more activity and he’ll remain productive as long as he stays healthy himself. He caught 8 balls this week for 73 yards and a TD.
It must be the Ben Troupe mystique. There really isn’t a good explanation to it, but Kinney continues to float around on the waiver wire in a great deal of 10 and 12 team leagues that require TEs. He’s second to Antonio Gates in receptions among the league’s TEs and he’s been incredibly consistent from week to week. His caveat has been finding the end zone (no TDs yet). If he’s out there, grab him. You could do a lot worse each week. Add For Depth (Starter potential)
Smith had a decent game this week catching two balls for 43 yards against the 49ers. He’s still not consistent enough to count on, but he’s definitely a great player for dynasty leagues and he remains a sleeper for the second half of this year. Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
Gaines has a mini-breakout game this week. He caught two balls for 67 yards. Keep in mind, this came against the Vikings (the world’s worst team at covering a tight end). Kris Mangum also caught a 1-yard TD against the Vikings this week for the Panthers. Gaines probably won’t have any consistency and be a worthy pickup in most leagues. He might be worth a spot in really deep dynasty leagues, but otherwise keep an eye on him and if he has another solid game then make a move.
Lee is running third string for the Packers, but he’s been productive because of injuries to Bubba Franks and David Martin. Brett Favre seems to look for him when he’s on the field, so if he continues to get playing time because injuries, then keep an eye on him. The Packers are using their TEs a lot now due to injuries in their WR corps. He produced 28 yards this week on three catches. Add for Next Year (Dynasty potential)
Scaife is only the Titans third string TE. Ben Troupe and Erron Kinney are playing well and there’s no guarantee he’ll even emerge as anything more than the Titans No. 2 tight end down the road. He’s still getting plenty of looks in the short passing game from Steve McNair. He caught five balls for 19 yards this week. Not a great average per catch, but for PPR leagues, that’s note worthy. Kicker Add Immediately (Impact potential)
Tynes almost lost his job in training camp, but since then he’s been rock solid. He’s had only one moderately bad week so far. If that’s any indication of his consistency then he’s well worth a roster spot. Add For Depth (Starter potential)
Mare is coming off three outstanding weeks in a row. Can the Dolphins help him sustain good numbers? It’s hard to tell, but they’re running the ball better (at least against the Saints) and they still play good defense. So, Mare should be a decent option as long as the Dolphins aren’t in a game where there is the potential for them to fall way behind. Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
He’s supposed to be ready as soon as next week, but possibly not for another couple of weeks. Akers has been one of the most prolific fantasy kickers over the last several years, so if he’s out there, you might try grabbing him before the masses figure it out. Add for Insurance (Injury or bye week replacement)
He’s the Cowboys kicker at the moment, which means as long as he doesn’t get Parcells ticked off, then he’ll be productive more often than not. Defense
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