Here is some advice on working the waiver wire in your fantasy league (for personal advice email larry at larrybrownsports.com):
Matchups to Avoid (at your discretion): Steelers defense, Ravens defense, Jets rush defense, Giants pass defense, Chargers pass defense.
Matchups to Exploit (at your discretion): Houston, Seattle, Jacksonville, Oakland, and New England’s secondary. Buffalo, Oakland, Arizona, Tampa Bay, Detroit, and Indy’s run defense. Start a defense playing Carolina, Arizona, Cleveland, and San Francisco.
MUST-HAVE
Deion Branch, WR, Patriots – His 9 catches and 98 yards were the most he’s had in a game since 2007. He already showed instant chemistry with Tom Brady, so grab him if he’s still available.
Patrick Crayton, WR, Chargers – Had 6 catches for 117 yards taking over once Floyd and Naanee got hurt. With Floyd out this week, expect Crayton to see plenty of action.
Heath Miller, TE, Steelers – We told you last week he would make an excellent addition to your roster and he delivered by catching his first TD of the season. Big Ben loves him. You should too.
Cameron Wake, LB, Dolphins – He’s been a sack machine, getting to the quarterback in four of five games including a three sack performance against the Packers. The former CFL product is legit.
*Make sure they’re not still available: Kenny Britt
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs – He’s not going to put up a lot of yards, but as we saw last weekend he’s capable of throwing 3 touchdowns in a game. Jacksonville’s secondary is just embarrassing. He should do well.
Chiefs, Redskins, Seahawks – If the Jags have to go with Trent Edwards over David Garrard who was concussed on Monday, it should be a field day for KC. Washington will likely have Albert Haynesworth back and be able to continue beating up Jay Cutler. Seattle has a good run defense and they can get after the quarterback. They should do well at home against the Cardinals.
Danario Alexander, WR, Rams – The Missouri rookie caught his first career touchdown pass on Sunday and was signed to a four-year deal. This kid must be good to warrant such a contract.
Anthony Armstrong, WR, Redskins – Our second week in a row recommending the rookie. He’s their number two receiver and a good deep threat for Donovan McNabb. He has some value.
Buster Davis, WR, Chargers – If both Floyd and Naanee are out, not to mention Antonio Gates, he’ll have some value. Even if it’s for only one week, it will probably be worth it.
Ben Watson, TE, Browns – He’s had plenty of six catch games so he has extra value in PPR leagues. They don’t have many good receivers in Cleveland so they have to target their tight ends.
*Make sure they’re not still available: Aaron Hernandez, Pierre Garcon
Bo Scaife, TE, Titans – Had his best game of the season — 4 catches for 53 yards and a touchdown against the Jags on Monday night. Titans just don’t do enough offensively to justify playing him each week.
Todd Heap, TE, Ravens – Caught his first touchdown of the season against the Pats but hasn’t delivered consistently throughout the year.
Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks – His 10 catch 123 yard performance was the best of his career. He’s Seattle’s primary target, but that doesn’t mean he’ll have many more days like this.
Mike Thomas, WR, Jaguars – He can get you 50 yards, but he’s not catching touchdowns because he’s not a red zone target. Garrard doesn’t throw to him as much as Trent Edwards did.
Derrick Ward, RB, Texans – We’ve touted him before as a handcuff to Arian Foster and that remains the case. Houston has a good running game so any of their backs has value.
Fred Davis, TE, Redskins – He had six touchdowns filling in last year once Chris Cooley went down. If Cooley misses a game with his concussion, Davis will step right in.
Danny Woodhead, RB, Patriots – He’s a versatile player who can run and catch, but he doesn’t get enough touches to ever explode. Decent bet for 60 combined yards though and that’s not bad.
Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys – If he gets traded somewhere else, his value could see a nice boost. A situation to watch for potential trades.
Photo Credits: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
