It's not too late to address your late season roster depth with key waiver wire pickups. Here are some players who have been flying under the radar for most of the season, but may have some value as indicated by their recent play.
RB Warrick Dunn, Buccaneers: With Earnest Graham now out for the season, Dunn will step in to start and should routinely get 20-23 touches a game. He's capable of producing about 100 total yards from scrimmage every week.
Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers: Williams in now active, and while not the starter, he could be used in short yardage situations to vulture some rushing TDs.
Pierre Thomas, Saints: Despite the expected return of Reggie Bush, Thomas will still likely be used for the necessary yards between the tackles. And now that Aaron Stecker on IR and with the possible suspension of Deuce McAllister still looming, Thomas' role value will increase further. Last week's stats of 16 rushes for 88 yards, with 1 TD and 4 receptions for 56 yards shows that he can contribute to this offense in a significant way.
Ahman Green, Texans: Injuries and inconsistency have made many fantasy owners give up on Green, but last week's two TDs runs of 1 and 2 yards indicate that he still can be a factor in many fantasy backfields.
TJ Duckett, Seahawks: Duckett is clearly a one dimensional back right now, as a short yardage/goal line specialist. But when that one dimension adds up to six rushing TDs, it cannot be overlooked.
JJ Arrington, Cardinals: Tim Hightower is now the undisputed starter...
Ahman Green of the Texans is a player on the rise after battling through injuries for most of the season. See who who else has had a shift in fantasy value on this week's waiver wire and stock watch.
Every week this list will give you the players whom you should expect to see a change in fantasy value due to performance, injury or splitting time at his position. Monitor your league's free agent list and opposing rosters to so you can find these players at their optimum value.
RISERS
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots: The man with four names became noticed on Monday night filling in for the injured Sammy Morris and rushed for 65 yards on 13 carries and one TD. Morris may play this week, but it may be worth making a claim on BJGE just in case Morris can't go.
Ahman Green, Texans: While not the starter anymore, Green had a respectable 62 yards and a TD on 14 carries last week, just three less than Steve Slaton.
Pierre Thomas, Aaron Stecker, Saints: The expected 2-4 week absence of Reggie Bush will increase the roles for both Thomas and Stecker, behind Deuce McAllister on the depth chart.
WR Josh Morgan, 49ers: Last week Morgan had his best game since week two, against a tough Giants defense, registering 86 yards on 5 catches. A favorable matchup against a bad Seattle defense awaits this week.
Javon Walker, Raiders: There's been a Javon Walker spotting and it's not on the Vegas strip. He found his way into the box score with 5 catches for 75 yards and a TD. He's still not dependable enough for a repeat performance, but if you're in a bye week pinch, give him a shot.
Will this be the week that Maurice Jones-Drew finally breaks out? See why we think he has a favorable matchup this week and which other matchups you should look to exploit in week six.
Running Backs 1. Julius Jones, Seahawks vs. Packers: The only positive with Seattle's offense has been Jones and he'll be facing a Green Bay defense which has allowed 161 yards per game on the ground. Expect Jones to carry the ball 20-25 times for over 100 yards.
2. LeRon McClain, Willis McGahee, Ravens vs. Colts: Offenses will to continue to run on the Colts last ranked run defense, which is allowing a stunning 188 yards per game, with defensive MVP Bob Sanders still out.
3. Clinton Portis, Redskins vs. Rams: The Rams are a mess on both sides of the ball and have been unable to keep opposing runners out of the end zone, giving up seven rushing TDs, tied for 2nd worst.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, and Fred Taylor, Jaguars vs. Broncos: This should finally be the week for this underachieving duo to break out and post some big numbers, since Denver is allowing 134 yards rushing per game (ranked 25th).
5. Ronnie Brown,and Ricky Williams, Dolphins vs. Texans: The Miami backfield pair should have no problem running all over Houston's 26th ranked run defense. Expect a couple of TDs, as Houston has allowed a league most eight rushing TDs.
6. Thomas Jones, Jets vs. Bengals: Cincinnati has been surprisingly solid defending the pass this season (6th best in yards allowed) but has been trampled on trying to stop the run, allowing a whopping 171 yards per game. Jones will get plenty of work and should exceed 100 yards on the ground.
7. Deuce McAlister, Saints vs. Raiders: Oakland has allowed seven rushing TDs on the ground and it's becoming clear that he'll be getting the carries inside the five.
Matt Hasselbeck will finally be able to fully operate the Seahawks offense with the return of starting receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram. See our prediction on that game and all the rest of the week five matchups.
Seattle finally has some healthy wide receivers returning in this game, as Deion Branch and Bobby Engram will make their season debuts. Matt Hasselbeck will be ecstatic, now that he can fully operate the offense. The Giants are coming off a bye week, but will be without their star receiver, Plaxico Burress, who has been suspended by the team. The Giants also do not have a winning record after bye weeks under Coach Coughlin.
Prediction: Seattle
Washington +6 at Philadelphia
Another bruising NFC East tilt. Washington comes to Philly on a big high after beating Dallas last week, while Philly is quite low after losing to Chicago. The big news in this game is whether or not Brian Westbrook will play. His status should go a long way in determining who wins this game. Donovan McNabb also has a bruised chest, but he will play. Jason Taylor is out for this game again for Washington.
Prediction: Philadelphia
San Diego -6.5 at Miami
The Chargers finally seem to have hit their stride after a rough start. Phillip Rivers is playing as well as any quarterback out there, and as long as LT remains healthy, they are the favorites in the AFC. Miami is coming off the biggest upset in years when they whooped the Patriots in week 3. This momentous win prompted Rickey Williams to say that he thought about smoking pot during the bye week. He’s a danger to himself when he has time to think. Just run Ricky.
Prediction: San Diego
Kansas City +9.5 at Carolina
KC comes off an impressive win versus Denver last week. They fed the rock to Larry Johnson and he produced. Brodie Croyle is close to returning, but even when he is healthy, look for Damon Huard to keep the starting QB job until Croyle can prove he is ready to take over. Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith are once again getting in sync.
Every week, The Fantasy Sports Forum will give you the best game matchups to exploit and to avoid, as we seek to help our readers win $10,000 a week in our FSF fantasy football League at Pay The Fan.
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The rules are pretty simple, but require some strategy. Every week you pick a lineup of 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 K and 1 DEF. The goal is for your team to score more fantasy points than any other team. You can start any player, but you can only use the same player no more than twice throughout the 17 week season. This is where you employ your strategy of finding the best matchups to exploit and avoid.
Here are our Week 3 Matchups to Exploit:
QB Brett Favre, Jets vs Chargers: The Jets offensive gameplan in the first two weeks has been mostly conservative, not allowing Favre the opportunity to air it out. Look for that to change this week against a Chargers pass defense which has been exposed so far. The Jets may not win, but there will be a lot of points scored and passes thrown.
J.T. O'Sullivan, 49ers vs. Lions: The first sign of life from the 49ers offense was seen last week, as O'Sullivan engineered several long drives, passing for 321 yards for 1 TD and no picks. Expect him to attack the ridiculously soft Lions pass defense, which has been scorched the first two weeks.
RB Julius Jones, Seahawks vs. Rams: In his first week as the primary ball carrier, Jones rolled for 127 yards on 26 carries. The Seahawks will continue to focus on the run against a Rams defense that is yielding almost 5 yards per rush through the first two weeks.
Michael Turner, Falcons vs. Chiefs: After a torrid first week piling up 220 yards rushing, Turner came back down to earth last week totaling just 42 yards on the ground against a tough Tampa defense. He should have a game closer to his week one results, as he's facing a Chiefs defense which was lit up by the Raiders running backs for 300 rushing yards last week.
Every week this list will give you the players whom you should expect to see a change in fantasy value due to performance, injury or splitting time at his position.
RISERS RB
Brandon Jackson, Green Bay Packers: Incumbent starter Ryan Grant continues to be hampered by a hamstring injury, thus increasing the playing time for Jackson. Plus, Jackson was far more productive in week two, with 61 yards on 7 carries and has been used more in goal line situations.
Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers: Anyone who watched Sproles knows how electrifying he is in the open field. With LT still nursing a hurt toe, expect to see Sproles remain part of the Chargers offensive game plan, in addition to his vital role as a returner.
Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders: Despite their problems, one thing is certain about the Raiders - they have a great ground attack. Injuries to Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden gave Bush substantial opportunity to run and he capitalized with 90 yards on 16 carries. While McFadden is not expected to miss time, Fargas might, thereby giving the 2007 fourth round pick Bush an increased role.
Michael Pittman, Denver Broncos: For the second consecutive week, the Broncos running backs split carries almost evenly among Pittman, Selvin Young and Andre Hall. However, it is becoming clear that Mike Shanahan likes using Pittman near the goal line, as evidenced by his three end zone plunges.
Every week this list will give you the top players for whom you should expect to see a change in their fantasy value due to recent performance, injury or increase/decrease in time at his position.
RISERS
QB
Kerry Collins, Titans: Should offer a better option to fantasy owners than Vince Young.
Damon Huard, Chiefs: Operates the Kansas City offense more efficiently than Brodie Croyle and will better utilize Bowe and Gonazalez.
Matt Cassel, Patriots: It's his job to lose, but Belichick won't hesitate to make a change if he sputters.
RB
Sammy Morris, Patriots: Week one showed that he may be a better fantasy option than Maroney.
Julius Jones, Seahawks: The injury to Maurice Morris may double the touches for Jones in the next few weeks.
WR
Eddie Royal, Broncos: His impressive Monday night performance quickly put him on the radar as one of top rookies for this season.
Matt Jones, Jaguars: He emerged as David Garrard's top WR option in game one with six catches for 80 yards.
TE
Anthony Fasano, Dolphins: Don't be surprised to see him continue to be Pennington's top target every week. Dante Rosario, Panthers: A last second TD and 96 receiving yards moves him up the TE list.
The Rams are still a mess. Steven Jackson has reported, but has not seen any game action, so no live hitting. The offensive line has major question marks and there is little doubt that Marc Bulger can survive another beating like he did last season. Donovan McNabb and the Eagles are expecting a big year. The loss of Kevin Curtis for at least the first quarter of the season will put even more pressure on Brian Westbrook, as he will have to continue to be the focus of the offense.
Prediction: Philadelphia
Houston +8 at Pittsburgh
Houston is an improved team, just how improved is anyone’s guess. Matt Schaub has developed into a capable quarterback. The question is if their running game help them move the chains. As for Pittsburgh, their offense is loaded with playmakers, but there offensive line may be their undoing. No matter how good your receivers and running backs are, if your quarterback is running for his life, you’re not going anywhere.
Prediction: Houston
Cincinnati +.5 at Baltimore
Both of these teams are a mess. Let’s start with the Bengals. They just released Rudi Johnson, so Chris Perry has been named the starter. Chad Johnson has a partially torn labrum but will play through it. T. J. Houschmandzadeh hasn’t played this pre-season with leg problems and the defense was never any good. The Ravens have named rookie Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback. Troy Smith has had tonsillitis and lost a good deal of weight and strength. Kyle Boller has a severe shoulder injury and may have to go on injured reserve.
Prediction: Cincinnati
Detroit -4.5 at Atlanta
With Mike Martz gone, Detroit has sworn that they will run the ball more. That’s good news for the defense and running back Kevin Smith. With Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams manning the outside, they will stretch the field also. The recent signing of Rudi Johnson adds depth to the backfield. Atlanta may very well be the worst team in the NFC. Matt Ryan will lead the team, and free agent prize running back Michael Turner will try and control the clock.
Every week for the next 17 weeks, The Fantasy Sports Forum will give you the best game matchups to exploit and to avoid, as we seek to help our readers win $10,000 every week in our FSF fantasy football League at Pay The Fan. It's not too late to join. For less than $4 a week, you'll have a chance at a $10,000 weekly cash payout, in addition to working towards the year-end grand prize of $250,000. Read why Aaron Rodgers and Thomas Jones may help you get there.
