Next Man Up "Next Man Up" is the fundamental belief in NFL circles that no drop-off is expected when a starter goes down. The next player on the depth chart must step in and play well to keep the engine going. This week's Waiver Wired is dedicated to finding the next man up for owners of early-season fantasy stalwarts Mark Clayton (torn patella tendon, out for the year) and Jermichael Finley (meniscus surgery, out 3-6 weeks).
Replacing Mark Clayton
In many leagues the top waiver decision will come down to Kenny Britt vs. Danny Amendola. For standard scoring formats, Britt is the winner by knockout. Amendola, severely lacking in playmaking ability, has one touchdown and a minuscule 8.3 yards per on 76 career receptions. Britt has three touchdowns in the last three weeks alone. Even better, he travels to Jacksonville this week to face a secondary surrendering the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
We can't be certain that Britt will play starter's snaps this week, but it's highly probable. Justin Gage (hamstring) never came close to practicing last week. It's not even clear that the veteran would get his job back if he was healthy. This offense lives and dies by Chris Johnson, and Britt's ability to put stress on the opposing defense down the field finally helped open running lanes in Week 5. He's the only receiver on the roster with the potential to exploit in-the-box safeties leaving the middle of the field open.
If he holds onto the starting job the rest of the way, Britt is a legit WR3 with upside.
Replacing Jermichael Finley
The game plan for Finley owners hinges on league size. Viable TE1 candidates such as Heath Miller, John Carlson, and perhaps Owen Daniels are all owned in roughly half of all CBSSports.com leagues. Marcedes Lewis and Tony Moeaki are owned in closer to 40 percent, and the next man up for Green Bay, Andrew Quarless, is available in all but the deepest Dynasty leagues.
If Miller is available, he's the ideal target for Finley owners. Too many Miller owners grew disenchanted with his unsurprising lack of production under Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch, leaving him available coming out of his bye week with Ben Roethlisberger set to give the Steelers' aerial attack a booster shot. As Big Ben gets re-adjusted to the speed of NFL defenses, he's likely to lean on Miller as a dumpoff outlet. Miller should pick up in Week 6 where he left off last year as fantasy's No. 9 tight end.
On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players available at each position as we head into Week 6. Full writeups of each player are below.
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Editor's Note: Join subscriber only chats, get weekly rankings before anyone else, plus exclusive weekly projections, stat tools, dynasty ranks, columns, and much more including the Rotoworld Oracle in our Season Pass.
Wide Receivers
1. Kenny Britt
2. Danny Amendola
3. Golden Tate
4. James Jones
5. Mardy Gilyard
6. Deon Butler
7. Robert Meachem
8. Mike Thomas
9. Davone Bess
10. Nate Washington
Tight Ends
1. Heath Miller
2. John Carlson
3. Tony Moeaki
4. Marcedes Lewis
5. Owen Daniels
6. Andrew Quarless
Quarterbacks
1. Vince Young
2. David Garrard
3. Shaun Hill
4. Josh Freeman
5. Matt Cassel
6. Matt Flynn
7. Max Hall
8. Jason Campbell
Running Backs
1. Donald Brown
2. Deji Karim
3. Tashard Choice
4. Danny Woodhead
5. Earnest Graham
6. Keiland Williams
7. Derrick Ward
8. James Starks
Defense/Special Teams
1. Giants
2. Raiders
3. Dolphins
[SIZE=+1]Wide Receivers[/SIZE]
Kenny Britt, Titans - Britt's Week 5 statline of four receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown is nice, but it doesn't do his performance justice. He also caused 48 yards of pass interference penalties against CB Mike Jenkins on the first drive alone. Britt has now scored in three straight games, with a fourth on a way against the Jags' league-worst secondary. He's still owned in just 35 percent of CBSSports.com leagues, so pick him up and get him into your starting lineup this week.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Danny Amendola, Rams - A mainstay in this space the past five weeks, Amendola is now the best bet for immediate production in St. Louis with Mark Clayton done. He was targeted a ridiculous 19 times on his way to 12 catches for 95 yards as the Rams passed heavily in a comeback attempt at Detroit. Amendola will end up leading this team in receptions if he stays healthy, but fantasy owners can't expect that volume to continue. Amendola isn't going to score or break big plays, so there's also a chance that he'll be bypassed by Laurent Robinson, Brandon Gibson, or Mardy Gilyard as a fantasy option.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Golden Tate, Seahawks - We've recommended Tate the last couple of weeks, expecting his role to expand. Now that Deion Branch has returned to New England, the rookie's snaps are sure to increase significantly. A highlight reel in recent practices, he's the receiver to own in Seattle.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
James Jones, Packers - Coach Mike McCarthy was already going heavy on three-wide sets before Jermichael Finley's injury. There's always a concern that Jones will get lost in the shuffle in a given week, but he led the team in targets against the Redskins. His role should continue to grow with Finley out.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Mardy Gilyard, Rams - Good luck figuring out Mark Clayton's replacement at flanker. Gilyard's snaps have picked up of late, he was the first candidate mentioned by coach Steve Spagnuolo on Monday, and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch deems him the favorite. Brandon Gibson has played more snaps than Gilyard, but he's expected to remain at split end. Laurent Robinson, the most skilled receiver on the roster, hasn't been the same since last year's foot fracture. He may end up taking Clayton's role late in the season, but he's been a shadow of his former self since training camp began.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Deon Butler, Seahawks - Coach Pete Carroll keeps talking up Butler, but the second-year receiver has cleared two receptions in just one start so far. Though Butler makes for a better roster stash than Big Mike Williams, owners shouldn't expect to use him for at least another couple of weeks.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Robert Meachem, Saints - We recommended Meachem last week on the off chance that his role would grow as he continued to get acclimated after offseason toe surgery. He responded with four catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. Marques Colston is still the only Saints receiver that can be trusted on a weekly basis, but Meachem's upside is well worth a roster spot as a WR5.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Mike Thomas, Jaguars - We can't expect the 53 rushing yards every week, but Thomas continues to settle in between four and six catches and 40-90 receiving yards each game. Pick him up to see if his role grows at the expense of an inconsistent Mike Sims-Walker.
Recommendation: Should be owned in PPR leagues
Davone Bess, Dolphins - Bess' last game was a 9-catch, 93-yard explosion in Week 4, but he's been forgotten in a lot of leagues with Miami idle last week. The 33rd ranked fantasy receiver this year is a must-add in PPR leagues, and he's handy for bye-week coverage in standard scoring formats.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Nate Washington, Titans - As mentioned above, no team in the league allows more fantasy points to opposing receivers than the Jaguars. Though Washington is averaging just three receptions per week, he's 26th in fantasy scoring thanks to three touchdowns. If he draws Derek Cox or David Jones in coverage this week, he has a strong chance to pick up a fourth.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play
Long-Term Fliers: Nate Burleson, Brandon Gibson, Laurent Robinson, Steve Johnson, Deion Branch, Anthony Armstrong, Arrelious Benn
Burleson could be the Lions' top receiver if Calvin Johnson's shoulder injury keeps him out of action, but he's hands-off in this week's matchup against the Giants. ... Robinson has to show he's healthy before deserving a look. ... Johnson has scored in three straight games, and he's been over 30 yards every week. The Bills are on bye in Week 6. ... Let someone else pick up a brittle and broken down Branch. ... Armstrong looks like the new No. 2 in D.C.
Cut Bait: Mario Manningham, Mohamed Massaquoi, Jerricho Cotchery, Devin Hester, Devin Thomas, Legedu Naanee, Harry Douglas, Stephen Williams
Manningham has zero catches on three targets the past two weeks. ... Massaquoi has Colt McCoy at Pittsburgh then a Week 7 bye. ... Cotchery wasn't producing even before Santonio Holmes returned. ... Hester isn't even playing starter's snaps anymore. ... Thomas is worthless with Jimmy Clausen at quarterback.
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[SIZE=+1]Tight Ends[/SIZE]
Heath Miller, Steelers - It's not just the return of Big Ben that makes Miller an attractive pickup. Over the next five weeks, he faces four of the eleven softest defenses in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. He's a borderline TE1 for this week's game against the Browns.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
John Carlson, Seahawks - Similar to Miller, Carlson in owned just under 50 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. Also like Miller, he has a chance to take advantage of a soft schedule. Over the next five weeks, Carlson faces three of the softest four defenses against fantasy tight ends (Arizona twice, Oakland once). The next month sets up well for that long-awaited breakout.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Tony Moeaki, Chiefs - The Chiefs are now a run-dominated offense heading into a matchup against a Texans defense that squelches the run and lays over for the pass. Given Matt Cassel's trust issues with Dwayne Bowe, the rookie tight end remains his most reliable target. Starting with Houston, Moeaki faces the second, fourteenth, first, and fourth softest defenses against fantasy tight ends over the next four weeks.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars - Fantasy's No. 4 tight end has now scored a touchdown or reached 70 yards in four of five games. His matchups over the next three weeks aren't quite as enticing of those facing Miller, Carlson, and Moeaki. There also remains the risk of the occasional two-target stinkbomb. David Garrard's favorite red-zone receiver is just a TE2 this week against the Titans.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Owen Daniels, Texans - Lost amid the Texans' disjointed offense last week were the first signs of life from Daniels in 2010. He caught three passes for 45 in the first quarter and a half, finishing as the team's second-leading receiver. If Daniels is finally nearing pre-injury form, he has the highest fantasy upside on this list. Keep in mind that he has a Week 7 bye.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Andrew Quarless, Packers - With Jermichael Finley (knee scope) and Donald Lee (chest) both out for at least the next two games, the rookie out of Penn State is the next man up. Quarless has plus athleticism and pass-catching skills, falling in the draft only due to character concerns. His four catches for 51 yards in relief of Finley and Lee last week are a fair representation of his value against the Dolphins and Vikes in Weeks 6 and 7.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Hold Off: Ben Watson, Ben Patrick
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[SIZE=+1]Quarterbacks[/SIZE]
Vince Young, Titans - In a sparse week for waiver wire quarterbacks, you can't beat Young's matchup. The Jaguars are surrendering a whopping 25.8 fantasy points per week to opposing quarterbacks, tops in the league. V.Y. is coming off his best fantasy performance of the season, reinvigorated by the presence of playmaker Kenny Britt. Pick him up as a spot starter.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play
David Garrard, Jaguars - The Bills are so bad they killed the road woes that have plagued Garrard going back to 2008. Thought to be sitting on the hottest seat in the league two weeks ago, Garrard now owns a passer rating over 120 in three of five games. Unfortunately, the other two have been under the Kordoza Line. He's at least back to solid QB2 consideration as fantasy's No. 15 QB.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Shaun Hill, Lions - At first glance, Hill merits the top waiver spot as fantasy's No. 5 quarterback over the past three weeks. A closer look reveals a red-light matchup at the Giants this week, a streaking defense allowing just the 30th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks on the season. The Lions head into the bye the following week, with Matthew Stafford (shoulder) due back. You may have missed your window on Hill.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Josh Freeman, Buccaneers - Freeman is providing the same production as Donovan McNabb and Matt Ryan this year, topping 20 fantasy points in three of four games. He's worth grabbing as a high-end QB2 option the next two weeks at home against the Saints and Rams before heading to Arizona in Week 8.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Matt Cassel, Chiefs - While I still have little faith in Cassel, he deserved a better fate against the Colts after Dwayne Bowe dropped a potential difference-making bomb. More germane to Cassel's fantasy outlook, he faces the dream lineup of the Texans, Jaguars, and Bills the next three weeks. The Texans and Jaguars are second and first respectively in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. If you're feeling lucky or even desperate, Cassel is worth a dice roll.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play
Matt Flynn, Packers - Flynn could draw the start this week against the Dolphins with Aaron Rodgers coming off a concussion. "It's definitely possible," coach Mike McCarthy said, "I know at a minimum [Rodgers will] miss some practice time." Flynn would be a risky option in his first career start, but he's worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.
Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues
Max Hall, Cardinals - Hall is heading into his bye week, but he remains an interesting stash for those owners that have starters on bye later in the season. Steve Breaston (knee) and Early Doucet (groin) are expected to begin practicing next week and should be back to full speed by November. With upgraded weapons, Hall has a shot at reliable QB2 value down the line.
Recommendation: Worth a stash in 12-team leagues
Jason Campbell, Raiders - Campbell led two impressive touchdowns drives in the Raiders' upset over the Chargers, but coach Tom Cable insists that Bruce Gradkowski is still his starter. Gradkowski's shoulder is unlikely to cooperate this week, however, leaving Campbell as a QB2 option against the 49ers, a defense surrendering the 7th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a bye-week fill-in
Long-Term Fliers Matthew Stafford, Charlie Whitehurst, Matt Moore
Cut Bait: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Seneca Wallace, Jake Delhomme, Todd Collins, Jimmy Clausen
Fitzpatrick has a bye in Week 6 then a Week 7 matchup against the league's most stingy secondary in Baltimore. His garbage time stats have little predictive value. ... Colt McCoy is expected to start at Pittsburgh with Wallace and Delhomme both nursing high-ankle sprains. Needless to say, McCoy shouldn't be anywhere near fantasy lineups this week. ... Clausen has been the worst quarterback in the league this year.
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[SIZE=+1]Running Backs[/SIZE]
Donald Brown, Colts - Sidelined by a hamstring injury the past couple of weeks, Brown is owned in just half of all CBSSports.com leagues. With Joseph Addai (shoulder/neck) in danger of missing this week's game against the Redskins, the starter could come down to Brown or Mike Hart. Brown returned to a light practice Monday, and Hart expects him to be back for Sunday's game. Brown would merit RB2 consideration if Addai sits out before the Colts' Week 7 bye. Keep an eye on Hart in case Brown suffers a setback in practice.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Deji Karim, Jaguars - One of my favorite deep Dynasty league sleepers this summer, Karim came off the bench for 70 yards on 15 carries against the Bills. With video game moves and 4.40 speed, Karim offered more burst than banged up starter Maurice Jones-Drew. While he's no threat to Jones-Drew's starting job, Karim is worth a look considering MJD's nagging knee, ankle, and now wrist injuries. The rookie has legitimate talent.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Tashard Choice, Cowboys - As expected, a punchless Marion Barber has lost his starting job, giving way to Felix Jones. The new starter has been an injury waiting to happen early in his NFL career, so Choice could be one play from RB2 value. He's more worthy of a roster spot than Barber at this point.
Recommendation: Worth a stash in 12-team leagues
Danny Woodhead, Patriots - Woodhead has seen time in both three-receiver packages and two-tight end sets, earning his way into the Kevin Faulk role. Faulk was often used as a bye-week fill-in for desperate PPR leaguers, and Woodhead has similar potential.
Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues
Earnest Graham, Buccaneers - Graham has to be thinking, "Why not me?". The Bucs keep trotting out a broken down Cadillac Williams and hyping LeGarrette Blount and Kareem Huggins while Graham outplays all of them from the fullback spot. The best pass catcher in the group as well as a potential goal-line solution, Graham is averaging 7.8 yards per touch as the No. 33 fantasy back. For comparison, "Poor Caddying" is averaging just 3.82 yards per touch as the No. 45 fantasy back -- on 60 more touches.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
Keiland Williams, Redskins - The only thing standing between Williams and a heavy workload is Ryan Torain, owner of major injuries to his ACL, PCL, Lisfranc, and elbow over the past few seasons. Williams is worth a stash as a RB4.
Recommendation: Worth a stash in 12-team leagues
Derrick Ward, Texans - Coach Gary Kubiak has noted Ward's improvement since he was cast off by the Bucs in late August. The veteran has emerged as the clear backup to Arian Foster, but he's strictly "handcuff" material.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
James Starks, Packers - Of all the backs on the Packers' roster, Starks has perhaps the best chance of emerging as an early-down bellcow in November and December. It's not especially likely, though, and the best bet is that he works his way into a committee role alongside Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn.
Recommendation: Worth a stash in deeper leagues
Cut Bait" Jerome Harrison, Marion Barber, Chris Ivory, Jason Snelling, Mike Bell, John Kuhn, Mike Goodson, Laurence Maroney, Correll Buckhalter
[SIZE=+1]Defense/Special Teams[/SIZE]
Giants - Due to their slow start in September, the Giants' defense is still only owned in two-thirds of fantasy leagues. They have 13 sacks and five turnovers over the past two weeks, though, re-emerging as one of the league's most dominant front-sevens. The Lions travel to the Big Apple, ripe for the picking after a blowout win over the Rams.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Raiders - Fresh off two touchdowns, three fumble recoveries, and three sacks agaisnt the Chargers, the Raiders D/ST heads out to San Francisco to face the NFL's leader in interceptions.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play
Dolphins - Miami isn't an obvious play this week unless Aaron Rodgers (concussion) is forced to sit out. Keep the Dolphins in mind for later in the week if it looks like Matt Flynn will make his first career start.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play
Replacing Mark Clayton
In many leagues the top waiver decision will come down to Kenny Britt vs. Danny Amendola. For standard scoring formats, Britt is the winner by knockout. Amendola, severely lacking in playmaking ability, has one touchdown and a minuscule 8.3 yards per on 76 career receptions. Britt has three touchdowns in the last three weeks alone. Even better, he travels to Jacksonville this week to face a secondary surrendering the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
We can't be certain that Britt will play starter's snaps this week, but it's highly probable. Justin Gage (hamstring) never came close to practicing last week. It's not even clear that the veteran would get his job back if he was healthy. This offense lives and dies by Chris Johnson, and Britt's ability to put stress on the opposing defense down the field finally helped open running lanes in Week 5. He's the only receiver on the roster with the potential to exploit in-the-box safeties leaving the middle of the field open.
If he holds onto the starting job the rest of the way, Britt is a legit WR3 with upside.
Replacing Jermichael Finley
The game plan for Finley owners hinges on league size. Viable TE1 candidates such as Heath Miller, John Carlson, and perhaps Owen Daniels are all owned in roughly half of all CBSSports.com leagues. Marcedes Lewis and Tony Moeaki are owned in closer to 40 percent, and the next man up for Green Bay, Andrew Quarless, is available in all but the deepest Dynasty leagues.
If Miller is available, he's the ideal target for Finley owners. Too many Miller owners grew disenchanted with his unsurprising lack of production under Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch, leaving him available coming out of his bye week with Ben Roethlisberger set to give the Steelers' aerial attack a booster shot. As Big Ben gets re-adjusted to the speed of NFL defenses, he's likely to lean on Miller as a dumpoff outlet. Miller should pick up in Week 6 where he left off last year as fantasy's No. 9 tight end.
On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players available at each position as we head into Week 6. Full writeups of each player are below.
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Editor's Note: Join subscriber only chats, get weekly rankings before anyone else, plus exclusive weekly projections, stat tools, dynasty ranks, columns, and much more including the Rotoworld Oracle in our Season Pass.
Wide Receivers
1. Kenny Britt
2. Danny Amendola
3. Golden Tate
4. James Jones
5. Mardy Gilyard
6. Deon Butler
7. Robert Meachem
8. Mike Thomas
9. Davone Bess
10. Nate Washington
Tight Ends
1. Heath Miller
2. John Carlson
3. Tony Moeaki
4. Marcedes Lewis
5. Owen Daniels
6. Andrew Quarless
Quarterbacks
1. Vince Young
2. David Garrard
3. Shaun Hill
4. Josh Freeman
5. Matt Cassel
6. Matt Flynn
7. Max Hall
8. Jason Campbell
Running Backs
1. Donald Brown
2. Deji Karim
3. Tashard Choice
4. Danny Woodhead
5. Earnest Graham
6. Keiland Williams
7. Derrick Ward
8. James Starks
Defense/Special Teams
1. Giants
2. Raiders
3. Dolphins
[SIZE=+1]Wide Receivers[/SIZE]
Kenny Britt, Titans - Britt's Week 5 statline of four receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown is nice, but it doesn't do his performance justice. He also caused 48 yards of pass interference penalties against CB Mike Jenkins on the first drive alone. Britt has now scored in three straight games, with a fourth on a way against the Jags' league-worst secondary. He's still owned in just 35 percent of CBSSports.com leagues, so pick him up and get him into your starting lineup this week.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Danny Amendola, Rams - A mainstay in this space the past five weeks, Amendola is now the best bet for immediate production in St. Louis with Mark Clayton done. He was targeted a ridiculous 19 times on his way to 12 catches for 95 yards as the Rams passed heavily in a comeback attempt at Detroit. Amendola will end up leading this team in receptions if he stays healthy, but fantasy owners can't expect that volume to continue. Amendola isn't going to score or break big plays, so there's also a chance that he'll be bypassed by Laurent Robinson, Brandon Gibson, or Mardy Gilyard as a fantasy option.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Golden Tate, Seahawks - We've recommended Tate the last couple of weeks, expecting his role to expand. Now that Deion Branch has returned to New England, the rookie's snaps are sure to increase significantly. A highlight reel in recent practices, he's the receiver to own in Seattle.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
James Jones, Packers - Coach Mike McCarthy was already going heavy on three-wide sets before Jermichael Finley's injury. There's always a concern that Jones will get lost in the shuffle in a given week, but he led the team in targets against the Redskins. His role should continue to grow with Finley out.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Mardy Gilyard, Rams - Good luck figuring out Mark Clayton's replacement at flanker. Gilyard's snaps have picked up of late, he was the first candidate mentioned by coach Steve Spagnuolo on Monday, and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch deems him the favorite. Brandon Gibson has played more snaps than Gilyard, but he's expected to remain at split end. Laurent Robinson, the most skilled receiver on the roster, hasn't been the same since last year's foot fracture. He may end up taking Clayton's role late in the season, but he's been a shadow of his former self since training camp began.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Deon Butler, Seahawks - Coach Pete Carroll keeps talking up Butler, but the second-year receiver has cleared two receptions in just one start so far. Though Butler makes for a better roster stash than Big Mike Williams, owners shouldn't expect to use him for at least another couple of weeks.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Robert Meachem, Saints - We recommended Meachem last week on the off chance that his role would grow as he continued to get acclimated after offseason toe surgery. He responded with four catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. Marques Colston is still the only Saints receiver that can be trusted on a weekly basis, but Meachem's upside is well worth a roster spot as a WR5.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Mike Thomas, Jaguars - We can't expect the 53 rushing yards every week, but Thomas continues to settle in between four and six catches and 40-90 receiving yards each game. Pick him up to see if his role grows at the expense of an inconsistent Mike Sims-Walker.
Recommendation: Should be owned in PPR leagues
Davone Bess, Dolphins - Bess' last game was a 9-catch, 93-yard explosion in Week 4, but he's been forgotten in a lot of leagues with Miami idle last week. The 33rd ranked fantasy receiver this year is a must-add in PPR leagues, and he's handy for bye-week coverage in standard scoring formats.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Nate Washington, Titans - As mentioned above, no team in the league allows more fantasy points to opposing receivers than the Jaguars. Though Washington is averaging just three receptions per week, he's 26th in fantasy scoring thanks to three touchdowns. If he draws Derek Cox or David Jones in coverage this week, he has a strong chance to pick up a fourth.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play
Long-Term Fliers: Nate Burleson, Brandon Gibson, Laurent Robinson, Steve Johnson, Deion Branch, Anthony Armstrong, Arrelious Benn
Burleson could be the Lions' top receiver if Calvin Johnson's shoulder injury keeps him out of action, but he's hands-off in this week's matchup against the Giants. ... Robinson has to show he's healthy before deserving a look. ... Johnson has scored in three straight games, and he's been over 30 yards every week. The Bills are on bye in Week 6. ... Let someone else pick up a brittle and broken down Branch. ... Armstrong looks like the new No. 2 in D.C.
Cut Bait: Mario Manningham, Mohamed Massaquoi, Jerricho Cotchery, Devin Hester, Devin Thomas, Legedu Naanee, Harry Douglas, Stephen Williams
Manningham has zero catches on three targets the past two weeks. ... Massaquoi has Colt McCoy at Pittsburgh then a Week 7 bye. ... Cotchery wasn't producing even before Santonio Holmes returned. ... Hester isn't even playing starter's snaps anymore. ... Thomas is worthless with Jimmy Clausen at quarterback.
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[SIZE=+1]Tight Ends[/SIZE]
Heath Miller, Steelers - It's not just the return of Big Ben that makes Miller an attractive pickup. Over the next five weeks, he faces four of the eleven softest defenses in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. He's a borderline TE1 for this week's game against the Browns.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
John Carlson, Seahawks - Similar to Miller, Carlson in owned just under 50 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. Also like Miller, he has a chance to take advantage of a soft schedule. Over the next five weeks, Carlson faces three of the softest four defenses against fantasy tight ends (Arizona twice, Oakland once). The next month sets up well for that long-awaited breakout.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Tony Moeaki, Chiefs - The Chiefs are now a run-dominated offense heading into a matchup against a Texans defense that squelches the run and lays over for the pass. Given Matt Cassel's trust issues with Dwayne Bowe, the rookie tight end remains his most reliable target. Starting with Houston, Moeaki faces the second, fourteenth, first, and fourth softest defenses against fantasy tight ends over the next four weeks.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars - Fantasy's No. 4 tight end has now scored a touchdown or reached 70 yards in four of five games. His matchups over the next three weeks aren't quite as enticing of those facing Miller, Carlson, and Moeaki. There also remains the risk of the occasional two-target stinkbomb. David Garrard's favorite red-zone receiver is just a TE2 this week against the Titans.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Owen Daniels, Texans - Lost amid the Texans' disjointed offense last week were the first signs of life from Daniels in 2010. He caught three passes for 45 in the first quarter and a half, finishing as the team's second-leading receiver. If Daniels is finally nearing pre-injury form, he has the highest fantasy upside on this list. Keep in mind that he has a Week 7 bye.
Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues
Andrew Quarless, Packers - With Jermichael Finley (knee scope) and Donald Lee (chest) both out for at least the next two games, the rookie out of Penn State is the next man up. Quarless has plus athleticism and pass-catching skills, falling in the draft only due to character concerns. His four catches for 51 yards in relief of Finley and Lee last week are a fair representation of his value against the Dolphins and Vikes in Weeks 6 and 7.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Hold Off: Ben Watson, Ben Patrick
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[SIZE=+1]Quarterbacks[/SIZE]
Vince Young, Titans - In a sparse week for waiver wire quarterbacks, you can't beat Young's matchup. The Jaguars are surrendering a whopping 25.8 fantasy points per week to opposing quarterbacks, tops in the league. V.Y. is coming off his best fantasy performance of the season, reinvigorated by the presence of playmaker Kenny Britt. Pick him up as a spot starter.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play
David Garrard, Jaguars - The Bills are so bad they killed the road woes that have plagued Garrard going back to 2008. Thought to be sitting on the hottest seat in the league two weeks ago, Garrard now owns a passer rating over 120 in three of five games. Unfortunately, the other two have been under the Kordoza Line. He's at least back to solid QB2 consideration as fantasy's No. 15 QB.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Shaun Hill, Lions - At first glance, Hill merits the top waiver spot as fantasy's No. 5 quarterback over the past three weeks. A closer look reveals a red-light matchup at the Giants this week, a streaking defense allowing just the 30th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks on the season. The Lions head into the bye the following week, with Matthew Stafford (shoulder) due back. You may have missed your window on Hill.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Josh Freeman, Buccaneers - Freeman is providing the same production as Donovan McNabb and Matt Ryan this year, topping 20 fantasy points in three of four games. He's worth grabbing as a high-end QB2 option the next two weeks at home against the Saints and Rams before heading to Arizona in Week 8.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Matt Cassel, Chiefs - While I still have little faith in Cassel, he deserved a better fate against the Colts after Dwayne Bowe dropped a potential difference-making bomb. More germane to Cassel's fantasy outlook, he faces the dream lineup of the Texans, Jaguars, and Bills the next three weeks. The Texans and Jaguars are second and first respectively in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. If you're feeling lucky or even desperate, Cassel is worth a dice roll.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play
Matt Flynn, Packers - Flynn could draw the start this week against the Dolphins with Aaron Rodgers coming off a concussion. "It's definitely possible," coach Mike McCarthy said, "I know at a minimum [Rodgers will] miss some practice time." Flynn would be a risky option in his first career start, but he's worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.
Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues
Max Hall, Cardinals - Hall is heading into his bye week, but he remains an interesting stash for those owners that have starters on bye later in the season. Steve Breaston (knee) and Early Doucet (groin) are expected to begin practicing next week and should be back to full speed by November. With upgraded weapons, Hall has a shot at reliable QB2 value down the line.
Recommendation: Worth a stash in 12-team leagues
Jason Campbell, Raiders - Campbell led two impressive touchdowns drives in the Raiders' upset over the Chargers, but coach Tom Cable insists that Bruce Gradkowski is still his starter. Gradkowski's shoulder is unlikely to cooperate this week, however, leaving Campbell as a QB2 option against the 49ers, a defense surrendering the 7th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a bye-week fill-in
Long-Term Fliers Matthew Stafford, Charlie Whitehurst, Matt Moore
Cut Bait: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Seneca Wallace, Jake Delhomme, Todd Collins, Jimmy Clausen
Fitzpatrick has a bye in Week 6 then a Week 7 matchup against the league's most stingy secondary in Baltimore. His garbage time stats have little predictive value. ... Colt McCoy is expected to start at Pittsburgh with Wallace and Delhomme both nursing high-ankle sprains. Needless to say, McCoy shouldn't be anywhere near fantasy lineups this week. ... Clausen has been the worst quarterback in the league this year.
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[SIZE=+1]Running Backs[/SIZE]
Donald Brown, Colts - Sidelined by a hamstring injury the past couple of weeks, Brown is owned in just half of all CBSSports.com leagues. With Joseph Addai (shoulder/neck) in danger of missing this week's game against the Redskins, the starter could come down to Brown or Mike Hart. Brown returned to a light practice Monday, and Hart expects him to be back for Sunday's game. Brown would merit RB2 consideration if Addai sits out before the Colts' Week 7 bye. Keep an eye on Hart in case Brown suffers a setback in practice.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Deji Karim, Jaguars - One of my favorite deep Dynasty league sleepers this summer, Karim came off the bench for 70 yards on 15 carries against the Bills. With video game moves and 4.40 speed, Karim offered more burst than banged up starter Maurice Jones-Drew. While he's no threat to Jones-Drew's starting job, Karim is worth a look considering MJD's nagging knee, ankle, and now wrist injuries. The rookie has legitimate talent.
Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues
Tashard Choice, Cowboys - As expected, a punchless Marion Barber has lost his starting job, giving way to Felix Jones. The new starter has been an injury waiting to happen early in his NFL career, so Choice could be one play from RB2 value. He's more worthy of a roster spot than Barber at this point.
Recommendation: Worth a stash in 12-team leagues
Danny Woodhead, Patriots - Woodhead has seen time in both three-receiver packages and two-tight end sets, earning his way into the Kevin Faulk role. Faulk was often used as a bye-week fill-in for desperate PPR leaguers, and Woodhead has similar potential.
Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues
Earnest Graham, Buccaneers - Graham has to be thinking, "Why not me?". The Bucs keep trotting out a broken down Cadillac Williams and hyping LeGarrette Blount and Kareem Huggins while Graham outplays all of them from the fullback spot. The best pass catcher in the group as well as a potential goal-line solution, Graham is averaging 7.8 yards per touch as the No. 33 fantasy back. For comparison, "Poor Caddying" is averaging just 3.82 yards per touch as the No. 45 fantasy back -- on 60 more touches.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
Keiland Williams, Redskins - The only thing standing between Williams and a heavy workload is Ryan Torain, owner of major injuries to his ACL, PCL, Lisfranc, and elbow over the past few seasons. Williams is worth a stash as a RB4.
Recommendation: Worth a stash in 12-team leagues
Derrick Ward, Texans - Coach Gary Kubiak has noted Ward's improvement since he was cast off by the Bucs in late August. The veteran has emerged as the clear backup to Arian Foster, but he's strictly "handcuff" material.
Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues
James Starks, Packers - Of all the backs on the Packers' roster, Starks has perhaps the best chance of emerging as an early-down bellcow in November and December. It's not especially likely, though, and the best bet is that he works his way into a committee role alongside Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn.
Recommendation: Worth a stash in deeper leagues
Cut Bait" Jerome Harrison, Marion Barber, Chris Ivory, Jason Snelling, Mike Bell, John Kuhn, Mike Goodson, Laurence Maroney, Correll Buckhalter
[SIZE=+1]Defense/Special Teams[/SIZE]
Giants - Due to their slow start in September, the Giants' defense is still only owned in two-thirds of fantasy leagues. They have 13 sacks and five turnovers over the past two weeks, though, re-emerging as one of the league's most dominant front-sevens. The Lions travel to the Big Apple, ripe for the picking after a blowout win over the Rams.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Raiders - Fresh off two touchdowns, three fumble recoveries, and three sacks agaisnt the Chargers, the Raiders D/ST heads out to San Francisco to face the NFL's leader in interceptions.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play
Dolphins - Miami isn't an obvious play this week unless Aaron Rodgers (concussion) is forced to sit out. Keep the Dolphins in mind for later in the week if it looks like Matt Flynn will make his first career start.
Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play
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