The NFL injury bug will never be exterminated and this past week the pest seemed to be targeting running backs.
Adrian Peterson has a torn meniscus, Jonathan Stewart and Doug Martin injured their hamstrings, Arian Foster tweaked his groin, Ameer Abdullah hurt his foot, Thomas Rawls hurt his leg and Danny Woodhead’s season is over after tearing his ACL.
If you rely on any of those backs you’re going to need some help. Here are some options to consider on the waiver wire prior to the start of Week 3.
QB
Sam Bradford (8% owned)
There was a lot of pressure on Bradford Sunday night. First night for the Vikings in a new stadium, first game with a new team just two weeks after being acquired in a trade, not to mention A.P. leaving with an injury. The 2010 first overall pick went 22 for 31 with 286 yards and two passing touchdowns. He has an excellent weapon to rely on in Stefon Diggs, but most impressive was the way he stayed in control and limited mistakes. The Vikings played with confidence in front of Bradford and fantasy owners should feel confident adding him.
Ryan Tannehill (29% Owned)
The Dolphins pivot found his rhythm in the second half against the Patriots and has a much easier matchup against the Browns this week. Foster is banged up and Jay Ajayi isn’t a reliable workhorse, which means Miami could end up putting the ball in the air more frequently.
RB
Jerick McKinnon (24% owned)
Peterson is out indefinitely and that means we’re going to see what McKinnon can do. McKinnon was effective as the Vikings’ primary back for most of 2014 when Peterson was suspended and he has the potential to do it again. He’s a different type of runner than Peterson, preferring to get the edge and use his speed outside of the tackles, but if he gets space he can do damage. If you do pick him up and start him beware of Matt Asiata, who will vulture goal-line carries.
Fozzy Whittaker (5% owned)
Whittaker shone when Stewart left the field, running for 100 yards on just 16 carries. It’s a tough matchup against the Vikings but if you have Stewart you should add him as a handcuff. Cameron Artis-Payne can be considered a deep sleeper.
Charles Sims (52% owned)
This one hinges on whether or not Martin misses time. Sims has some standalone value—especially in PPR leagues—but is definitely worth taking a flier on if he gets the start against the Rams.
Kenneth Farrow (0% owned)
With Woodhead (ACL) and Branden Oliver (Achilles) on injured reserve, undrafted rookie Kenneth Farrow is now the No. 2 to Melvin Gordon. Don’t expect much from him right away. This should be viewed as an insurance move in deeper leagues.
WR
Tyrell Williams (49% owned)
Poor Philip Rivers. His top two options in the passing game, Keenan Allen and Woodhead, are out for the season and those targets need to be dispersed. Williams is now a viable option. Not convinced? Did you see his touchdown against the Jags?
Victor Cruz (37% owned)
Wait, that Victor Cruz? Yep, he’s fantasy relevant again. Two games in a row he has produced. In fact, according to Rotoworld, Cruz was on the field for 74 of 79 offensive snaps Sunday against the Saints. A Week 3 matchup against the Redskins means you’d have to think Odell Backham Jr. will face off against his rival Josh Norman on most plays, which should result in Eli Manning looking Cruz’s way often.
Quincy Enunwa (10% owned)
The third-year receiver is enjoying a strong start to 2016, catching 13 of his 14 targets for 146 yards and a touchdown. Even though he’s behind Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker on the depth chart Enunwa is worth a look.
Kenny Britt (3% owned)
The Rams offence is a dumpster fire, sure, but at least Britt gets consistent targets—16 through two weeks good for 10 catches and 161 yards. Not a terrible option if you’re looking for volume rather than upside.
TE
Dennis Pitta (11% owned)
Pitta has returned and so has his chemistry with Joe Flacco. Only Greg Olsen and Martellus Bennett had more yards than Pitta last week among tight ends. Pitta’s reliable hands appear to be in fine form.
Jacob Tamme (6% owned)
That’s two weeks in a row Tamme has gotten eight targets from Matt Ryan. He ended up with 75 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. The Saints have poor pass coverage, so Tamme should see plenty of looks again in Week 3.
The percentages shown above represent how much each player is owned in Yahoo! fantasy football leagues at the time this article was published
