Waiver Wire Work for Week #14

[bcbadgalz]

Very short on time this evening here is a start.

Late finds for fantasy playoffs include Starks & Choice.
Packers say they will give rookie James Starks increased work in next few games.
Cowboys won't rush Marion Barber back after Tashard Choice's big Week 13
Roy Williams likely to get more targets after Dez Bryant's season-ending injury.

Last season, Jerome Harrison was just another semi-anonymous football player, known to dedicated Browns fans and maybe alumni of his college (Washington State). He had a 121-yard game in Week 3 of 2009 but was virtually invisible from Weeks 4 to 13.

Then, in Week 14, he exploded, rushing for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns. He followed that up with 148- and 127-yard performances the next two weeks, scoring in each game. Harrison probably won a lot of people a lot of money in fantasy leagues last year.

Harrison, traded this season to Philadelphia for Mike Bell after the emergence of Peyton Hillis, isn't going to be a fantasy factor this season. (Not unless LeSean McCoy gets hurt.) But will there be a running back who comes out of nowhere to produce during fantasy playoff time this year?

It's now playoff time in almost every league. Working the waiver wire is still important in the playoffs; playing the matchups and going week-to-week with a kicker or defense is a definite possibility. Here are some options for Week 14, with a special attention paid to who these guys are facing the next three weeks.

Quarterback
You can rarely find a quarterback this late in the season; whoever you pick up now is probably someone who's been on the waiver wire for a few weeks. But that's not the end of the world. In a small league, there's bound to be someone available. Ryan Fitzpatrick (15-for-25, 168 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT on Sunday), for example, is still available in 48 percent of Yahoo! leagues and faces Cleveland and Miami the next two weeks. Those aren't out-of-sight matchups, but he should put up good numbers.

Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings (15-for-22, 187 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT in Week 13): Besides the interceptions, Jackson looked good in relief of Brett Favre on Sunday. But don't pick him up just yet, as Minnesota plays the Giants this week and Favre could return anyway. Only if you're completely stuck should you go with Jackson (or Favre, if he plays, for that matter). But if Favre's your starting fantasy QB you can't possibly have made the playoffs, can you?

Running back
People had big expectations for Brandon Jackson when Ryan Grant went down in Week 1, but he's been inconsistent; on Sunday, he carried just 4 times for 13 yards. (He did add four catches for 63 yards.)

Enter James Starks, a rookie from Buffalo who spent most of the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. In his NFL debut, Starks rushed for 73 cards on 18 carries. Mike McCarthy said he'd give the ball to him a lot again in Week 14. John Kuhn got the goal-line touchdown last week, but with the Packers going up against the Lions next, Starks could have another decent day. He's less useful in Week 15 (at New England) and 16 (vs. New York Giants).

Chris Ivory, Saints (15 carries, 117 yards, 2 TD): Amazingly, Ivory is available in almost 70 percent of Yahoo! leagues. That's a ton for a guy who has scored five touchdowns over the past three weeks. If you can get him in your league, do so. He doesn't have good matchups in Weeks 15 (at Baltimore) or 16 (at Atlanta) but next week he faces the Rams and could be in line for a big day.

Tashard Choice, Cowboys (19 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD): After Choice's breakout performance Sunday, Jerry Jones said the Cowboys wouldn't rush Marion Barber back. Even if Barber returns, look for Choice to get way more looks on Sunday against the Eagles. That's not a great matchup, but the Cowboys' opponents in Weeks 15 (vs. Washington) and 16 (at Arizona) are, so Choice could be valuable in the next two rounds of the playoffs.

Toby Gerhart, Vikings (12 carries, 54 yards; 1 catch, minus-2 yards): Adrian Peterson didn't seem injured as he got the majority of the work and scored three touchdowns in Week 13, but Gerhart looked solid in limited action. If you're a Peterson owner, make sure to have Gerhart as a handcuff just in case. He's not worth starting except in the largest leagues and is more for protection.

Rashad Jennings, Jaguars (10 carries, 44 yards, 1 TD; 2 carries, 10 yards): He has vultured some of the short-yardage carries from Maurice Jones-Drew and is an option for owners in really deep leagues. This late in the season, MJD owners should definitely have him as insurance in case Jones-Drew goes down. If you get Jennings, you're just hoping he scores, but in leagues that start, say, three running backs and a flex, that might be enough.

Wide receiver
The Redskins have been horrible recently, but Anthony Armstrong continues to become a more of a favorite of Donovan McNabb almost each week. He caught six passes (on 10 targets) for 97 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Giants on Sunday. The Redskins play a below-average pass defense in Week 14 (Tampa Bay), then two teams that are awful against the pass (at Dallas, at Jacksonville). Although the Redskins are spiraling out of control, Armstrong could still put up good numbers over the next three weeks.

Roy Williams, Cowboys (2 catches, 32 yards): Jon Kitna targeted Williams just twice on Sunday, but with Dez Bryant lost for the season with a fractured ankle, the former No. 1 pick should get more looks. With Dallas facing an average Eagles pass defense on Sunday, he could put up good numbers. The Cowboys then host Washington and play in Arizona, two more favorable matchups.

Lance Moore, Saints (6 catches, 36 yards) and Robert Meachem (3 catches, 106 yards): It's tough to start a Saints wide receiver because of how much Drew Brees spreads the ball around, but if you're looking for a second or third wide receiver for this week, either of these guys would work. Moore was targeted seven times, Meachem three. Sunday's stats aside, Moore is the better option, but Meachem is more likely to be available. They're each available in just under half of leagues.

Tight end
Benjamin Watson has pretty much become Cleveland's top tight end. He had the Browns' first 100-yard game of the season Sunday with a 10-catch, 100-yard effort. Jake Delhomme targeted him 11 times. The Browns really don't have many other receiving options, so he's likely to continue to get lots of looks. The Browns have a favorable matchup Sunday (at Buffalo) before playing in Cincinnati and home against Baltimore.

Jimmy Graham, Saints (3 catches, 72 yards): With Jeremy Shockey not doing much (2 catches for 28 yards) in his return from injury on Sunday, Graham had his third straight game of three catches or more. In huge leagues, that might be enough for a tight end, even though he was just targeted the three times. Obviously, it's a longshot, but he could have a big game against the Rams this week.

Kicker
Is Billy Cundiff available in your league? If so, he could be your playoff kicker. The Ravens have a tremendous opportunity for lots of points against Houston this week, followed up by passable matchups against New Orleans and Cleveland.

Defense
If you don't have a top defense, you should probably just go week-to-week for the playoffs. This week, the Denver Broncos play in Arizona. The Cardinals have several quarterbacks, none of them effective, and have been tremendously reliable at getting other teams' defenses high fantasy points. The Broncos just fired their head coach and that usually means better overall play in the short term. Go with Denver.
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Waiver Wire Week 14
By: Jeremy Miller

Most leagues are either heading into playoffs or on their last week of the regular season. Still time to pick up that extra depth that could help you bring home the title. Here are the players I would look at adding this week.

Quarterbacks


Sam Bradford, QB, St. L – Bradford has had an unbelievable rookie year and has his Rams in the hunt for the division title. Bradford had a rough day on Sunday but I would not completely forget about him if you are in need of a boost at back-up. After his last single point outing Bradford strung together 6 solid outings in a row. Don’t toss him away after one bad outing.

Tavaris Jackson, QB, Min – It looks like Jackson could be starting the rest of the year. This might be his make it or break it moment. Jackson sparked the offense and if he can get away from the interceptions he might put up some decent fantasy numbers as well.






Running Backs
Anthony Dixon, RB, SF – Westbrook was the hot pick up last week, but Dixon might end up being the RB with the most value of the two. If you need a wild-card, Dixon might be it.



Tashard Choice, RB, Dal- When the Cowboys give him an opportunity he takes advantage. They gave him one on Sunday and once again he took full advantage. Expect Choice to continue to get chances down the stretch making him a nice pick up for the playoffs.

James Startks, RB, GB -Starks was given an opportunity and responded with a solid day. If you need some additional depth at RB Starks may get enough carries to have some value.

Rashard Jennings, RB, Jac - Jennings is picking up a bigger role in the offense, but make no mistake about it, he is still the second back here. What he is proving though is that he can carry the load if something happens to MJD. If you have him, you better cuff him for the playoffs.


Wide Receivers
Anthony Armstrong, WR, Was -Armstrong is looking like he can get behind any defense. He is a great deep threat and this weekend he caught a career high 6 passes. Armstrong could provide a boost to a weak group a WR’s.



Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Cle – Massaquoi has caught 4 balls in three straight weeks. His 81 yda in week 13 was a season high. He is starting to put it together and become the WR many thought he might be this season.

Earl Bennett, WR, Chi – Cutler’s college teammate is starting to make a fine NFL teammate as well. Two TD’s in week 12 followed up by a 100 yd week in week 13. Bennett is part of a surging Bears team that has to be taken seriously.


Tight Ends

Kevin Boss, TE, NYG – I still like Boss as a late season guy. The Giants are sure to have to pass more in the upcoming weeks.

Ben Watson, TE, Cle – Watson was on fire in week 13. He has put together a very good year in Cleveland and is a good guy to keep around in a back-up role.
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QUARTERBACKS

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Freeman has been consistent all season posting conservative numbers and limiting his turnovers. Freeman has eight touchdown passes and just four turnovers in his last five games. He also grabs a few extra points running the ball. Tampa Bay has seven wins and a dream schedule for the next three weeks at Washington and then home against Detroit and Seattle. Freeman is available in 44% of ESPN leagues and 43% of Yahoo! leagues.

Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs –Cassel has recorded 1,091 yards, eleven scores and just one turnover in his last four games. In his past eight starts, Cassel has thrown nineteen touchdowns and turned the ball over just twice. Kansas City hosts travels to St. Louis in Week Fifteen and will play at home against Tennessee in Week Sixteen. Cassel will be dropped in many leagues after his mediocre 201 total yard and one touchdown and he was already available in 35% of ESPN leagues and 32% of Yahoo! leagues.


RUNNING BACKS

Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys – Choice scored a rushing touchdown on Sunday, something Felix Jones has not done in 2010. With Marion Barber(calf) out, Dallas split carries almost in half between the two running backs. Choice scored and averaged over five yards per carry on his way to a 100 yard day. Choice faces a tough Philadelphia defense in Week Fourteen before the schedule loosens up home against Washington and on the road against Arizona. Choice is available in 95% of ESPN leagues and 91% of Yahoo! leagues.

Christopher Ivory, New Orleans Saints – Ivory has been a beast the last three games. Ivory has recorded 256 rushing yards and five scores as defenses focus slowing down the passing game. There is more confusion as Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush return from injuries but Ivory has major upside. The Saints host the Rams in Week Fourteen and Ivory is available in 63% of ESPN leagues and 69% of Yahoo! leagues.

James Starks, Green Bay Packers – In a surprise move the Packers activated the rookie, James Starks out of Buffalo. Starks took 18 carries for 73 yards and played well. He was not used out of the backfield but his touches should be monitored closely as he auditions for a major role heading into the playoffs. Starks travels to Detroit in Week Fourteen and is available in all of ESPN leagues and 97% of Yahoo! leagues.


WIDE RECEIVERS

Davone Bess, Miami Dolphins – With Henne starting and Marshall out, Bess had a solid game against Cleveland. He finished the day with six catches for 67 yards and now has 61 receptions and 667 yards on the season to go along with three scores. Bess travels to face the Jets in Week Fourteen before returning home for favorable matchups against Buffalo in Week Fifteen and Detroit in Week Sixteen. Bess is available in 73% of ESPN leagues and 52% of Yahoo!
leagues.

Roy Williams, Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys lost number two wide receiver Dez Bryant for the rest of the season with an ankle injury on Sunday. This opens the door for Roy Williams and his upside(five touchdowns in a three game stretch early in the season). His targets should be monitored against Philadelphia in Week Fourteen and then he has favorable matchups at home against Washington and then on the road at Arizona in upcoming weeks. Williams is available in 62% of ESPN leagues and 54% of Yahoo! leagues.

Earl Bennett, Chicago Bears – Bennett is worth monitoring in the upcoming weeks. With two solid games in a row, totaling 160 yards and two scores, Chicago has a difficult schedule ahead. Week Fourteen is home against the Patriots before travelling to face the Vikings and then hosting the Jets. Bennett is available in 99% of ESPN leagues and 95% of Yahoo! leagues.


TIGHT ENDS

Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions – This young tight end is quietly having a top ten season while the Lions have cycled through three starting quarterbacks. Pettigrew had gone over 50 receiving yards or scored a touchdown in nine of his last ten games before his five receptions for 36 yards against the Chicago Bears. Pettigrew hosts Green Bay in Week Fourteen and is still available in 59% of ESPN leagues and 37% of Yahoo! leagues.

Benjamin Watson, Cleveland Browns – Watson scored the lone touchdown against Miami in a defensive battle. With most of the defensive attention focused on slowing down Peyton Hillis, Watson ended the day with ten catches for 100 yards. Cleveland travels to face a miserable Buffalo defense in Week Fourteen and Watson is available in 76% of ESPN leagues and 71% of Yahoo! leagues.


DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

Denver – The Broncos defense surrendered just ten points to the high flying Chiefs on Sunday. They managed just two sacks and a fumble recovery but look for a strong showing in Week Fourteen against the dreadful Cardinals offense. Arizona will likely be giving rookie John Skelton the start instead of an ineffective Derek Anderson or an injured Max Hall(shoulder). In Week Thirteen, the three Arizona quarterbacks combined for just six points, two interceptions and four sacks Denver is available in 69% of ESPN leagues and 94% of Yahoo! leagues.

Dallas – The Cowboys belong on the bench for Week Fourteen at home against the Eagles. The Dallas schedule softens at the perfect time as they host an awful Washington offense in Week Fifteen and then travel to Arizona in Week Sixteen. Stash the Cowboys if you have roster space, a bye Week Fourteen, or pick them up right after Week Fourteen is over for two favorable matchups for the defense that picked off Peyton Manning four times on Sunday and scored twice. Dallas is available in 55% of ESPN leagues and 68% of Yahoo! leagues.


KICKERS

Nate Kaeding, San Diego Chargers – Kaeding has fought back from a groin injury that sidelined him for three games. Last Sunday he hit five field goals including a 50 yarder and three PATs and this week he added two more field goals and a PAT. San Diego hosts divisional rival Kansas City in Week Fourteen before facing weaker San Francisco and Cincinnati defenses for the playoffs. Kaeding is available in 46% of ESPN leagues and 53% of Yahoo! Leagues.

Garrett Hartley, New Orleans Saints – Hartley has kicked two or more field goals in four of his last five games and has added 17 PATs during that stretch. The Saints have been moving the ball well and host St. Louis in
Week Fourteen before traveling to Baltimore and then to Atlanta. Hartley will continue to receive scoring opportunities and is available in 49% of ESPN leagues and 45% of Yahoo! leagues.