Waiver Wire Wonders

[Maritimer]

Talk about breakout players, deep sleepers, and who to cut to grab them. General discussion welcome, as are specific questions (if you're looking to appeal to the wisdom, or lack thereof, of crowds).

I'm curious to know what everyone's impressions of Andre Brown, Daryl Richardson, and Bilal Powell are. They're going to be available in almost every league. Who are you dropping to pick them up?

Lots of interesting TEs popping up -- Pitta, Bennett, Rudolph. What are your impressions? Who are you running to grab if you were a Hernandez owner?

[NW7]

I'm curious to know what everyone's impressions of Andre Brown, Daryl Richardson, and Bilal Powell are. They're going to be available in almost every league. Who are you dropping to pick them up?

I like both Andre Brown and Daryl Richardson. I think both probably should be added, assuming you have a reasonable player to give up. If it comes out that Bradshaw is going to miss any time, I would probably be willing to cut any bench fodder for Brown. While in general, I'm a fan of David Wilson, it's clear that the Giants staff doesn't trust him just yet, so I'd imagine Brown would fill in nicely as a solid #2 RB if Bradshaw is out any amount of games.

Richardson is another interesting guy, it seems like the Rams love him. Everyone expected Isaiah Pead to win the backup job, but Richardson beat him out. I'm not sure I would consider him a must add, but if you have someone like say: Ronnie Brown or Rashad Jennings(or someone else in this area), I would drop them in a heart beat for Richardson.

Bilal Powell is meh. I would only consider adding him if it came out that Shonn Greene was going to miss significant time. Or I had absolutely horrible luck with injuries. I just don't really trust anyone on that Jets offense of contributing this year.

Lots of interesting TEs popping up -- Pitta, Bennett, Rudolph. What are your impressions? Who are you running to grab if you were a Hernandez owner?

In one of my leagues I actually had the unfortunate luck of losing Hernandez. I'm planning on going with Dennis Pitta. I love the targets we've seen him get in the first two weeks. I obviously don't expect those numbers to continue, but it appears that Flacco trusts him a ton. Martellus Bennett is like a 1A on this list. Giant TE's always seem to be a solid/sneaky play and without a #3 WR emerging quite yet for the Giants I think Bennett will be a solid player.

While not available in my league, Brent Celek is a guy that I've liked a lot. He had a big game this weekend and if the Maclin injuries causes him to miss any games I think we could see big numbers continue. In general I'm a fan of his, but injuries could vault him up.

As far Kyle Rudolph goes, I'm a big fan of his long term, but I worry about consistent production with him the rest of the season. As Peterson gets more comfortable and Jerome Simpson returns from his suspension, I think we could see a lot of inconsistent games from him.

TE is really deep with average players though right now. Besides the ones I mentioned guys like: Owen Daniels (if available), Heath Miller and Scott Chandler are all intriguing. On the flip side I'm not a fan of preseason darlings: Fred Davis and Jared Cook. Fred Davis is probably still worth holding onto, Cook is someone I'd have no problem getting rid of. That Titans team is a mess and I don't think Cook has any value unless Hasselbeck gets the job again.

Talk about breakout players, deep sleepers, and who to cut to grab them.

Two guys that I'm thinking about adding or already did outside of the obvious ones (if available: Amendola or LaFell) are Mikel Leshoure or Jerome Simpson. Leshoure might of been someone you missed the boat on, as he returns from suspension this week, but I think he's a worthy add given the fact that the current Lions starting RB is an injury waiting to happen. I would drop any reasonable bench player to get Leshoure. Jerome Simpson is a true flyer add this week for me. He's suspended this week, but you can almost for sure get him now. He looked good in the preseason and could be a nice #2 in that offense. I would only drop really bad bench players for Simpson or if I had 2 TE/Defenses for whatever reason this week.

Guys that I'm monitoring but not fully buying in on quite yet: Donnie Avery or Brian Hartline.

[Maritimer]

I pretty much agree with everything you said there, though I may rank Powell ahead of Richardson if Greene is going to miss any time (it sounds like Steven Jackson will be back next week). The team's not great, but Shonn Greene is terrible and makes their run game look worse than it should be. Dude just can't find a hole to run through.

TE wise, I think I'd go Bennett over Pitta, but it's close. Bennett is the 3rd target on a team that will pass a ton, especially if Bradshaw's going to miss time. Pitta's in danger of two things: 1) the Ravens remembering that they have Ray Rice, and 2) Torrey Smith becoming the #1 target everyone was projecting. Both very solid pickups though.

Totally forgot about Jerome Simpson, but I'd have to be in a deep league or have a deep bench to take him. I don't know that Ponder is good enough for Harvin, Peterson, Rudolph, and Simpson to be fantasy relevant (and Simpson is the clear #4 on that list right now). Totally with you on Leshoure though. Picked him with my last non DST/kicker pick, and I'm hopeful that he'll get a 3 down job.

I'd buy on Avery. Collie is done. Luck is going to be passing a LOT. With you on Hartline. Oakland doesn't have a secondary anymore, and Tannehill is going to have more brutal games which will kill any WR value.

Here's my dilemma -- I don't know who to drop for any of these guys (if can get one -- last place in the waiver order). Amendola and Lafell are both available in my league, FWIW.

RB - Murray / Sproles / Benson / Leshoure / Dwyer
WR - Cruz / Maclin / Decker / T. Young / K. Wright

I guess Dwyer and Wright are the obvious drop candidates, but they've got some pretty good upside of their own...

[Shady Franchise]

Here's my dilemma -- I don't know who to drop for any of these guys (if can get one -- last place in the waiver order). Amendola and Lafell are both available in my league, FWIW.

RB - Murray / Sproles / Benson / Leshoure / Dwyer
WR - Cruz / Maclin / Decker / T. Young / K. Wright

I guess Dwyer and Wright are the obvious drop candidates, but they've got some pretty good upside of their own...

I think you should cut K Wright for either Amendola or Lafell. I dropped Wright in another league and haven't thought twice about it since.

As for my WW pickups, I just dropped F Davis for Bennett. I stuck with the Giant over Pitta because Eli will throw throw throw all season long and I just feel that Bennett will be more heavily relied on in the Red Zone than Pitta. Bennett also isn't far behind in targets either, as he's gaining trust from Eli. I also just picked up A Brown and dropped Ryan Williams. I have a thread about that on these boards and I felt Brown's upside is better than Ryan's right now, especially with how bad he has played with the opportunity as the #1 back in Arizona. Arizona is just brutal right now for fantasy and even Fitz can't be trusted. Oh, and I picked up the kicker, Justin Tucker. The guy can kick! Dropped Prater who has not done much for me in 2 games. As for WR targets on the WW, I like Amendola, then Avery, then Hartline and finally Simpson.
Great discussion guys!

[LApwnd]

I'm putting in a waiver claim for Richardson, hoping I get it I'm lowest of prioirity due to my 2-0 record. Looking at Avery as well, think teams will start to focus in on Wayne again leaving Avery open. Might take a flyer on Hawkins too as stash away, guy is solid slot wr but doesn't get alot of targets.

[NW7]

Here's my dilemma -- I don't know who to drop for any of these guys (if can get one -- last place in the waiver order). Amendola and Lafell are both available in my league, FWIW.

RB - Murray / Sproles / Benson / Leshoure / Dwyer
WR - Cruz / Maclin / Decker / T. Young / K. Wright

I guess Dwyer and Wright are the obvious drop candidates, but they've got some pretty good upside of their own...

Frankly I would try to drop both T. Young and K. Wright for Amendola and Lafell. You probably won't get them both, but I definitely prefer those two guys over yours. I'd also then drop Dwyer for Andre Brown too (Brown would probably be a decent choice at Flex too if you have that option this week. I don't expect Bradshaw to play this Thursday).

All three of your guys have potential, but at some point that potential gets out weighed by actual production. Dwyer hasn't done much thus far and the situation is only going to get more murkier once Mendenhall comes back. K. Wright has a pretty average QB at best and Kenny Britt looming, while he did get a TD this week I just don't think he's anywhere as consistent as you'd like. T. Young is someone that I would probably say hold on to in general, but not when guys like Lafell and Amendola are available. It's a risk, because on paper you like what Young should be able to do opposite of Megatron ... but the question is will we ever see it?

FWIW I prefer Lafell to Amendola, unless it's a PPR league then it's pretty much a coin flip between the two.

[b_mind]

I'm interested also in Amendola, LaFell, and Brown.... but I'm not sure who I should drop out of my bench.


WR: C. Johnson (start), Marshall (start), VJax (start/flex), Steve Johnson (maybe)
RB: AP (start), R. Bush (start), K. Smith (flex), A. Morris (Flex), D. Wilson (maybe)


So out of all those players, I'm thinking D. Wilson and Steven Johnson as possible candidate to drop. Amendola ofc will be first priority to pickup follow by either Brown or LaFell (depends if I need a WR or RB more).


Just unsure who I should drop. Maybe D. Wilson

[LApwnd]

^^^Drop D. Wilson

So I didn't get Avery to help my weak WR bench but got Richardson of Stl, see what happens there with the benching and all. Also got Celek and settled for Hawkins of Cinn, dude pretty solid slot guy (I hope)

[b_mind]

Dropping Wilson for Andre Brown was a great idea....now does anyone know how long mr. Bradshaw will be out with injury?

[Maritimer]

Thinking of dropping TItus Young for one of these guys...

D. Moore
Hawkins
Hankerson
Kerley
Burleson
Jeffrey
Barden

Could also stash Lamar Miller, Ronnie Hillman, or another backup RB, but I think my WRs need more help (Cruz, Maclin, Decker, Young, Avery). Thoughts on these guys?

[LApwnd]

Thinking of dropping TItus Young for one of these guys...

D. Moore
Hawkins
Hankerson
Kerley
Burleson
Jeffrey
Barden

Could also stash Lamar Miller, Ronnie Hillman, or another backup RB, but I think my WRs need more help (Cruz, Maclin, Decker, Young, Avery). Thoughts on these guys?

picked up Hawkins 2 weeks ago and played him in one of my league last week, paid off! From list I like D. Moore and Hawkins. Barden/Hankerson are dependent on other guy injury Nicks/Garcon, if those guys play I dont see any value in adding them.

[Shady Franchise]

Thinking of dropping TItus Young for one of these guys...

D. Moore
Hawkins
Hankerson
Kerley
Burleson
Jeffrey
Barden

Could also stash Lamar Miller, Ronnie Hillman, or another backup RB, but I think my WRs need more help (Cruz, Maclin, Decker, Young, Avery). Thoughts on these guys?

picked up Hawkins 2 weeks ago and played him in one of my league last week, paid off! From list I like D. Moore and Hawkins. Barden/Hankerson are dependent on other guy injury Nicks/Garcon, if those guys play I dont see any value in adding them.

Agree 100%. I'd go D Moore then Hawkins in that order. Oakland is throwing a lot and Palmer is not afraid of that long bomb. Hawkins is a WW stud pickup. I feel that both players can get you 2 points, or something like 15+, but right now with the injuries in Oakland, D Moore is the man.

[Maritimer]

FWIW, I'm unlikely to play anyone this week. Looking for the long term upside (though it sounds like you both like Moore and Hawkins for exactly such a scenario).

[Maritimer]

I'm looking ahead to next week. I'm going to need to pick up a bye week QB. Here are the options currently on the waiver wire:

Fitzpatrick (@ Ari)
Schaub (v. GB)
Palmer (@ Atl)
Kolb (Buf)
Ponder (@Wash)
A. Smith (v. NYG)
Freeman (v. KC)

I love the matchups for Kolb, Ponder, and Freeman. Fitzpatrick and Palmer have pretty bad matchups. Schaub could be a victim to the running game again, though he could also have to throw to keep up. SF-NYG is likely to be a defensive battle, so I'm not likely interested in Smith.

Who would you prefer out of this group?

[Maritimer]

Similar question -- Houston goes up against GB next week (at home), meaning their DST is not a great start. Would you rather any of the following?

Dolphins (v. STL) -- An underrated defense against a team with a struggling offense, though the Rams will have 10 days rest.
Steelers (@ TEN) -- Underperformed so far, and Hasselback could find his groove, but the Steelers always have a chance at creating turnovers.
Buccanneers (v. KC) -- The Chiefs have been very generous to DSTs (8 to Atl, 18 to Buf, 8 to NO, 20 to SD), but can you trust TB?
Jets (v. IND) -- Potential bounce back game? I know they're missing Revis, but Luck could be forced into turnovers.
Eagles (v. DET) -- Detroit's also been good to opposing DSTs (mostly TDs to special teams), but this game could be a shootout.

The other question is whether or not I should drop Jonathan Stewart (on my bench behind Murray, Sproles, Benson, Leshoure, and Williams) now for one of these DSTs so I don't have to wait for waivers next week, or drop Houston's DST next week.

[BossHoggin]

All of them look similar and I think you could probably trade Stewart for a better D if you really hate him.

QB: Schaub, Kolb, Ponder

I'd stay away from Smith, Fitzpatrick

I'd pick Steelers D and Schaub, but I don't think you should drop a RB to get either.

[Maritimer]

Well, I've got 3 options. I have to have a QB with Cam on bye, so it's one of the following:

1) Drop Avery to get Schaub, stay with Houston DST.
2) Drop Avery to get Schaub, drop Stewart to get a DST.
3) Drop Avery for a replacement DST and try to trade Stewart for a better QB than is available.

I think it's probably going to be option #1, though.

EDIT - To be clear, I don't hate Stewart. I just think he's my 6th best RB behind Murray, Sproles, Leshoure, Benson, and R. Williams.

[BossHoggin]

Wrong degree on my statement.

I think you should explore trading him regardless if you have 5 solid guys in front of him.

[Maritimer]

I think I can trade for Big Ben. He's got Tennessee and their awful pass D next week. Doing some digging. Tennesee is 27th in passing yards allowed per game, only one of three team to have given up double digit passing TDs after 4 weeks, dead last in completions allowed, last in completion percentage (over 75%!!!!). Considering the YAC ability of Wallace and Brown, that's very promising. It's a Thursday night game, so it's a short week, but even with Mendenhall back I think Pittsburgh's going to be a passing team.

[Maritimer]

Nevermind. Looks like Ryan Williams will be dropable. Sigh.