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, and Bears pass defense.
Matchups to Exploit (at your discretion): Houston, Buffalo, Jacksonville, New England and Dallas’ secondary. Buffalo, Arizona, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Denver, and Indy’s run defense. Start a defense playing Carolina, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Our one-week monster plays went off this past weekend: Mark Sanchez had over 300 yards and two TDs, Seyi Ajirotutu had over 100 yards and two touchdowns, and the Saints demolished the Panthers. If it’s available, whichever defense is playing Carolina is the best one to start in a given week. Here is some other advice using our best judgment:
MUST-HAVE
James Jones, WR, Packers – He has back-to-back 100-yard games after catching 8 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown Sunday and he looked great working with Aaron Rodgers.
Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets – Recorded his first 100-yard game of the season, breaking a couple of big plays Sunday. Back-to-back matchups against weak secondaries makes him an even more appealing play.
Jon Beason, LB, Panthers – Don Connor got placed on injured reserve so Beason will move back to middle linebacker where he’s likely to rack up tackles. I know I’m picking him up as an IDP in my league.
*Make sure they’re not still available: Jacob Tamme, Dez Bryant
David Garrard, QB, Jaguars – Coming off a 5 touchdown performance against Dallas, it will be tough to replicate the career game, but Houston’s secondary will be a picnic.
Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers – Carolina’s defense isn’t anything special and Freeman is a good bet for 200 yards, a few rushing yards, and at least a touchdown. Plus, he doesn’t turn the ball over.
Buccaneers, Jets, Rams Defense – Any team playing the Panthers is an excellent pickup, so Tampa Bay receives the honor this week. They may not stop the run well, but they get picks and have a strong secondary. Colt McCoy has taken care of the ball well, but the Jets can shut down Peyton Hillis somewhat and get to McCoy for a few sacks. I don’t mind Troy Smith at quarterback, but he’s not going to throw for 300 yards and three TDs. The Rams should easily hold the Niners under 20 points.
Louis Murphy, WR, Raiders – Murphy hasn’t been effective for weeks because of chest-related injuries, but he was a playmaker when he was healthy. The Raiders are on a bye so if you pick him up, you’ll have to wait a week to use him.
Jacoby Ford, WR, Raiders – 6 catches for 148 yards and a kickoff returned for a touchdown Sunday, Ford practically beat the Chiefs on his own. He looked great in that game but I’d let someone else use their waiver priority on him, especially with the bye coming up.
Seyi Ajirotutu, WR, Chargers – One of our one-week monster plays last week, he paid off with two touchdown catches. They’re on a bye and Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd will be back so don’t get too excited.
Reggie Bush, RB, Saints – Bush is returning from his leg injury and should be a big part of the offense when he gets back. Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas aren’t healthy either.
Blair White, WR, Colts – With Austin Collie out because of the concussion and Anthony Gonzalez done for the year, he should get some looks in Indy’s offense.
David Thomas, TE, Saints – Had four catches for 45 yards and with Jeremy Shockey possibly out because of his ribs, Thomas could be a fill-in tight end if you need one.
*Make sure they’re not still available: Eric Berry
Bernard Berrian, WR, Vikings – 9 catches for 89 yards was a season-high in both categories but he just isn’t getting it done often enough. Sidney Rice’s return will hurt his chances of repeating it.
Earl Bennett, WR, Bears – Caught his first touchdown – a floater in the end zone and he’s been seeing some targets. If Chicago couldn’t get it going against Buffalo, their offense is hopeless.
Julius Jones, RB, Saints – He started against the Panthers and got some carries, but with Ladell Betts, Chris Ivory, and Reggie Bush around, he won’t see much action.
Randy McMichael, TE, Chargers – Filling in for Antonio Gates, he looked great catching two TDs including a one-handed grab. Gates should be back after the bye so McMichael won’t have much of a role after that.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints – I like David Thomas more than Graham, even though Graham caught his first touchdown of the season.
Shonn Greene, RB, Jets – His workload has been increasing with LaDainian Tomlinson’s production decreasing. He could be the primary back towards the end of the season like last year.
Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings – Battling back from a hip injury, he’s probably available on the waiver wire in your league. I bet it takes a few weeks before he’s providing good production but if you have space for him, go for it.
Mike Goodson, RB, Panthers – They’re down to very few options and their offense is garbage so this would be if you really are desperate.
Shayne Graham, K, Patriots – They signed him as Stephen Gostkowski’s replacement for the time being, so he’s a good pickup for Gostkowski owners.
Nate Kaeding, K, Chargers – A groin injury has kept him out but if he returns after the bye he’ll be a highly-productive kicker for San Diego.
Photo Credit: Leon Halip/Getty Images, Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
