BY ROB SHAW
sportsnet.ca
We had some shocking performances this weekend from players who were once unveiled as Hidden Jewels. Among those players were Ryan Fitzpatrick, Steve Johnson, Todd Heap, Peyton Hillis, Davone Bess, and Mike Williams.
While Hillis, Fitzpatrick, Heap, Bess, and Williams are on the majority of fantasy rosters several other fine talents remain widely available on the waiver wire.
Here's a look at the top fantasy options available on waiver wires for week eight in the NFL.
Buyer's guide:
1) Look for catches or rushes (how often did the player have the ball in their hands?)
2) Look for touchdowns (are they a part of the goal line or red zone attack?)
3) Look at their age (are they a young player on the rise, a good investment?)
4) Look at their team and roster (were they filling in, and what's their role?)
5) Look at post-game recap (any quotes of encouragement for upcoming weeks?)
SILVER
Riley Cooper, WR, Eagles
The injury to wide receiver DeSean Jackson opened the door to opportunity for Riley Cooper. The fifth round pick out of Florida entered the weekend with just one reception for 20 yards. In week seven, Cooper came up with three receptions for 51 yards including a touchdown. The player who up to now was better known for being the college roommate of Tim Tebow may end up earning some more playing time with the Eagles, particularly if Jackson is still not healthy follow the team's bye week.
Earl Bennett, WR, Bears
He lacks the speed of Devin Hester as well as the quick routes of Johnny Knox, but Earl Bennett seems to be a favourite of quarterback Jay Cutler thanks to his crisp routes and soft hands. Similar to Cutler, Bennett once starred for the Vanderbilt Commodores. The 2008 third round pick established career highs across the board last season with 54 receptions for 717 yards and two touchdowns. Bennett is currently riding a hot streak with seven receptions for 136 yards over the last two games. He is not much of a red-zone option, but in an open field, he's the safety valve for Cutler.
Matt Moore, QB, Panthers
The Panthers returned to their Opening Day starter Matt Moore to lead them to their first victory of the season. Moore performed admirably with 308 passing yards, two touchdowns, and just one interception. This was a much better performance than what we've seen so far this season from Moore, as his six interceptions and two touchdowns largely explain why the team turned to rookie Jimmy Clausen in recent weeks. Of course, Moore earned the starting gig in the season opener thanks to his eight touchdowns and no interceptions that led the Panthers to win three of their final four games of the '09 season.
GOLD
Jordan Shipley, WR, Bengals
The Bengals rookie wide out has somehow earned a prominent role in the Bengals offence despite the presence of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco. On Sunday, Shipley led the team with 131 yards and a touchdown. Shipley has missed one game this season due to injury, but in his other six appearances, he is averaging 64 yards. The third round pick out of Texas is a contender for the Rookie of the Year award.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers
LeGarrette Blount makes this list for the second time this season. He first appeared as a Hidden Jewel after rushing for 27 yards and a touchdown in a Week 3 contest against the Steelers. He then struggled with just three yards to show for the next two weeks. Blount then returned to prominence this weekend with a team-high 72 rushing yards on just 11 carries. It was far and away the best rushing for the Buccaneers this weekend and will likely lead to a larger role in the weeks ahead.
Buster Davis, WR, Chargers
Buster Davis enjoyed an expanded role this weekend due to the injuries to Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee. Davis responded with a season-high six receptions for 53 yards. Davis has now racked up 259 yards this season, and the former first round pick may end up having a future with the club after all. Davis will have a nice little window to contribute over the next few weeks as Vincent Jackson will continue to miss time and Malcom Floyd may not return for another few weeks due to injury.
DIAMOND
Chad Henne, QB, Dolphins
Last season, Chad Henne threw just 12 touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions. He averaged just 206 yards per game and was mostly coached to not get in the way of the rushing attack. Thanks in large part to the addition of star wide out Brandon Marshall, this season is very different for the former Michigan Wolverine. In just six games, Henne has already tossed eight touchdowns compared to five interceptions. He is averaging well over 240 passing yards per game and has managed to spread the offence with Davone Bess offering a legitimate threat opposite Marshall. Even against the highly touted Jets defence, Henne racked up 363 passing yards and scored two touchdowns a few weeks back. He is evolving into a legitimate fantasy option.
David Gettis, WR, Panthers
Even with a healthy Steve Smith back in the Panthers receiving corps, David Gettis played a prominent role this weekend. The sixth round pick out of Baylor offered a memorable performance with eight receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Up to now, Gettis had managed two to three receptions per game since the second week of the season. However, with Matt Moore once again starting under center, and the team recently parting ways with wide out Dwayne Jarrett, it is clear that Gettis will be featured in the Panthers passing attack more often.
Steve Johnson, WR, Bills
He's quickly becoming a favourite here at Sportsnet since we continue to hype him up and yet he remains on the waiver wire for anyone to grab. Steve Johnson certainly turned some heads this weekend with one of the best performances from a wide receiver in the NFL this season. Johnson has formed a nice rapport with Ryan Fitzpatrick and for a large part of Sunday it looked like it would finally lead to the Bills first win of the season. Johnson hauled in eight receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown. He is suddenly on pace for close to 1000 yards on the season and now boasts five touchdowns in the last four games.
