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): Packers, Bears, and Steelers defenses are not impenetrable, but they’re good. Avoid Saints, Chargers, Giants, and Bears pass defense. Still avoid Steelers, Bears, Chargers, Jets run defense.
Matchups to Exploit (at your discretion): Houston, Buffalo, Seattle, Jacksonville, New England and Oakland’s secondary (Asomugha is out). Buffalo, Arizona, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Denver, and Indy’s run defense.
The waiver wire has been thinner and thinner the past few weeks because players have been able to stay healthy for the most part. An injury to Frank Gore made Brian Westbrook the top target, but outside of that we’re just picking at players who are likely available. Take a look at our thorough guide of working the waiver wire for advice on how to manage your fantasy football roster:
MUST-HAVE
Brian Westbrook, RB, 49ers – Westbrook looked great on Monday night, running for 136 yards and a touchdown. With Frank Gore out for the season, Westbrook will be their feature back.
Toby Gerhart, RB, Vikings – Gerhart’s no Adrian Peterson (who is?), but he is a physical runner that would stand to get a lot of carries if an ankle injury keeps Peterson out.
Ben Obomanu, WR, Seahawks – Now the top receiver in Seattle, he hauled in an 87-yard score on Sunday and has scored in three of the last four games.
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs – We’ve frequently advised picking up Cassel as a one-week monster play, but now we’re just recommending picking him up. He’s a safe play most weeks because he doesn’t make mistakes. The connection with Dwayne Bowe, while likely to slow down, has helped his stats tremendously.
*Make sure they’re not still available: Todd Heap
Packers D, Dolphins D, Seahawks D, Rams D – Seattle gets the favorable matchup against the Jimmy Clausen Panthers, so we like them, especially at home. Arizona’s offense looks atrocious and doesn’t seem to be getting better. Even on the road the Rams are a strong play. San Francisco’s offense lacks explosion, making the strong Green Bay defense an excellent add. Jake Delhomme is set to start again for the Browns and he’s well, you know, Jake Delhomme. That makes for a good play.
Legedu Naanee, WR, Chargers – Caught three passes in his first action since week five. Naanee should see plenty of balls with Vincent Jackson out.
Pat Angerer, LB, Colts – Posted back-to-back 12 tackle games against teams that ran the ball consistently. The rookie will be a good source of tackles the rest of the way.
Maurice Morris, RB, Lions – With Jahvid Best likely ready for more action and the Bears and Packers defenses up next for Detroit, Mo Morris isn’t a good option.
Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots – Seems to have replaced Aaron Hernandez as the go-to tight end in New England. With the Pats, nothing is reliable however, so be careful.
Brandon Stokley, WR, Seahawks – He’s combined for 12 catches and 127 yards the last two weeks, so in PPR leagues he has extra value.
Jacoby Ford, WR, Raiders – Went off for a receiving and special teams touchdown, Ford muscled his way to 4 catches for 108 yards. I still don’t trust him in terms of consistency.
Louis Murphy, WR, Raiders – 4 catches for 73 yards Sunday was his best performance since week 3. He may finally be at full strength just in time to help you during the playoffs.
Billy Bajema, TE, Rams – Caught his first two career touchdowns Sunday. Don’t expect that sort of repeat, but with Illini Mike out, Bajema could see more action.
Blair White, WR, Colts – White keeps finding the end zone, but he’s not getting a lot of catches. He’s a high-risk play, but he could reward you with a touchdown.
Shaun Suisham, K, Steelers – If you need a kicker, you could do worse than Jeff Reed’s replacement. At least Pittsburgh generally scores plenty of points.
*Make sure they’re not still available: Brian Hartline, Kevin Burnett
Earl Bennett, WR, Bears – Scored two of his three touchdowns on the season Sunday against the Eagles. It’s hard to rely on the Bears’ offense.
Devery Henderson, WR, Saints – 4 catches for a season-high 97 yards on Thursday, Henderson only has one touchdown on the year. He’s not a good option, and it’s hard to tell who will make the plays for New Orleans.
Glover Quin, CB, Texans – Had his first three interceptions ever all come on Sunday. He won’t be lucky enough to get Rusty Smith as a quarterback every time out.
Kyle Williams, DT, Bills – 10 tackles and two sacks for a nose tackle? He played well, but that’s a fluke. Don’t expect it to keep happening.
Rashad Jennings, RB, Jaguars – The handcuff to Maurice Jones-Drew, he got into the end zone this weekend. He’s your guy if MJD wears down.
Julius Jones, RB, Saints – Led the Saints in carries and total touches on Thursday. Chris Ivory got both their scores on the ground, but Jones seems to have a bigger role in the rushing attack.
James Davis, RB, Redskins – Got plenty of work Sunday as the first and second down back for the Skins on several drives. He may have become Washington’s lead back, splitting time with receiving back Keiland Williams.
Anthony Dixon, RB, 49ers – He’s the goal-line back for the Niners, so if you’re in a touchdown heavy league he’s a player to add.
