Working the Waiver Wire: Week 8 Free Agent Pickup Advice
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, Giants pass defense, Chargers pass defense.
Matchups to Exploit (at your discretion): Houston, Buffalo, 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.
I know it’s the bye week for many of players and you’ll need some replacements, but unfortunately there aren’t many must-have type guys. You can find some guys to plug holes, but not many difference makers.
MUST-HAVE
Donald Brown, RB, Colts – Joseph Addai will probably be out a month with his shoulder injury. Whoever gets the bulk of the carries will have lots of fantasy value and be a good bet for a touchdown each week. I’m thinking it will be Brown.
Mike Hart, RB, Colts – Hart has been receiving carries and will likely have a strong role in the offense with Addai out. He and Brown are both worth pickups, but Brown will probably be the man.
*Make sure they’re not still available: Kenny Britt
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs – Just like we said for his matchup last week against the Jags, not a lot of yards but he’ll throw for a few scores.
Jon Kitna, QB, Cowboys – Lots of weapons at his disposal and he’s playing the horrendous Jacksonville secondary. He should have nice stats this week.
Rams – They’re getting sacks, strips, and they’re not allowing many points. They’re a good play at home against the Panthers.
Lee Evans, WR, Bills – I wasn’t buying Evans last week after his touchdown catch and then he went out and scored three against Baltimore. Go figure. I still think you’ll be disappointed if you’re relying on him from here on out.
David Gettis, WR, Panthers – Matt Moore went over 300 yards and targeted Gettis nine times (his drop was a sure touchdown). Moore calls him a stud. I wouldn’t go that far or expect 100 yard games on a regular basis
Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers – He’s just a good player. Not huge stats, but maybe 200 yards a touchdown, a few rushing yards, and hardly any mistakes. He’s a steady option.
James Jones, WR, Packers – Had his first 100-yard game of the season and is becoming Rodgers’ second favorite target, especially with Donald Driver hurt.
Jason Avant, WR, Eagles – With DeSean Jackson out, he steps up and becomes the nice possession receiver for Philly. Two straight 60+ yard games.
*Make sure they’re not still available: Danny Amendola, Willis McGahee, Todd Heap
Jordan Shipley, WR, Bengals – He caught all six of his targets for 131 yards and his first career touchdown. He’s a good player, but the Bengals have way too many receiving options for him to get consistent looks.
Matt Moore, QB, Panthers – He came out of the bye week with a purpose throwing for over 300 yards, but don’t expect many more spectacular games. Don’t forget he has 7 INTs in 100 attempts.
Brandon LaFell, WR, Panthers – If you’re relying on Carolina Panthers to help your fantasy team, you’re in trouble. LaFell won’t bail you out.
Jason Campbell, QB, Raiders – Posted his highest career passer rating in a game on Sunday but he’s still not very good. They’ll go back to Gradkowski when he’s healthy.
Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys – He’s a good player and coming off a three touchdown game, but his catch totals are low. I like his chances to produce less with Kitna in there.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Bucs – Looked great dragging defenders on his way to a 72-yard performance on 11 carries. He could be their starting back by the time it’s all over.
Chester Taylor, RB, Bears – He’s now going to get the goal-line carries. The problem is the Bears’ offense has been dreadful, and they hardly run it.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions – He returns this week but faces a good Washington secondary. I was big on him to start the year and think he’ll be a good fantasy option.
Photo Credits: AP Photo/Margaret Bowles
