As well as one can draft their fantasy football team, inevitably a combination of injuries and surprises arise throughout the year. Ryan Grant can be knocked out for the season, Matt Stafford can hurt his shoulder, or some rookie bursts onto the scene out of nowhere. As a result, working the waiver wire is a key component of winning your fantasy league. Here is some advice on whom to pick up and whom to leave alone in the free agent pool:
Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers – With Ryan Grant done for the year, Jackson becomes the back to own in Green Bay. He’s not a special talent, but playing in a high-scoring offense should yield touchdowns. Beware of TD vulture John Kuhn stealing his looks and don’t expect monster weeks from Jackson, but he’ll be a good RB3/flex play.
Clay Matthews, LB, Packers – 7 tackles and two sacks, adding onto the 10 he had last year. He has plenty of support and could be in for a monster second season.
Patrick Chung, S, Patriots – If you play in an IDP league, you have to get your hands on Chung. 16 tackles is a big number, and Chung is a big playmaker.
Mike Vick, QB, Eagles – 175 yards passing and a touchdown, 103 yards rushing filling in for the injured Kevin Kolb. He should shine at Detroit this week before Kolb gets the job back for week three.
Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos – 8 catches for 89 yards on Sunday, he was Kyle Orton’s primary target. Denver throws a lot so Royal will be a stud in PPR leagues.
Legedu Naanee, WR, Chargers – 5 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown coming on a busted coverage Monday Night. Best part is he was on the field multiple times and Rivers targeted him frequently. He should have steady production going forward.
Mark Clayton, WR, Rams – Never emerged with the Ravens but he appears to be Sam Bradford’s primary target. With a soft schedule ahead, he can put up some good numbers.
Neil Rackers, K, Texans – He beat out Kris Brown for the job and might be available in your league. Good offense, good weather means good production.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos – 5 catches for 117 yards against the Jags. Nice game and Lloyd made diving catches but I don’t buy that Denver will have more than one receiver worth using in fantasy. Royal’s the one you want.
Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns – He’s in a timeshare with Jerome Harrison and has a nice match up against the Chiefs, but the schedule is tough after that.
Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jaguars – two catches, two touchdowns against Denver. Marcedes is more of a blocker than receiver in the Jags offense so don’t expect many more big games like this.
Tony Scheffler, TE, Lions – five of his six catches came when Stafford was in the game. With Shaun Hill at QB, he won’t be as popular of a target.
Bernard Scott, RB, Bengals – Had 50 total yards in nine touches for Cincy. Benson is the workhorse, but if he breaks down Bernard will be worth starting.
Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens – Still a very capable back who is getting goal line touches in a good offense. He would be a clear cut RB2 if something happened to Rice.
Javon Ringer, RB, Titans – Scored his first career touchdown Sunday, would be worth something as CJ2K’s clear cut backup.
Derek Anderson, QB, Cardinals – A favorable schedule means he could be a worthwhile play if you need a QB. Don’t stretch it, but you could do worse as a fill-in.
