With the fantasy football playoffs approaching, fantasy managers are getting a bit desperate for talent to pick up. Injuries have opened the door to some interesting options in the backfield, while rookie wide receivers and tight ends are making an impact now that they have learned their team’s respective playbooks.
Here’s a look at nine rising talents widely available on the waiver wire.
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
Dmitri Nance, RB, Packers
Fantasy managers should take note that Brandon Jackson was backed up by Dmitri Nance this weekend and not John Kuhn. Nance actually delivered the better performance, compared to Jackson with 37 yards on 12 carries. Of course, the fact that this game turned into a blowout plays a large role in the expanded playing time for Nance, but for fantasy managers hoping to still uncover a potential fantasy talent in the backfield, Nance provides some hope.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints
As always, Drew Brees spread the ball around to all of his targets, connecting with 10 different receivers this weekend. One target that made a large impact was rookie tight end Jimmy Graham. The third round pick out of Miami, hauled in five receptions for 72 yards. This was his finest performance of the season. However, he has been making progress in recent weeks. While fellow Miami alumnus Jeremy Shockey remains the starting tight end, the future for that position is more likely to be featuring Graham. Graham could continue to see expanded playing time, if Shockey’s ribs do not heal.
Michael Hoomanawanui, TE, Rams
The Rams 2010 fifth round pick is starting to make an impact in the offense, entering the contest with three straight weeks with two receptions. While Michael Hoomanawanui did score a touchdown over that span, it wasn’t until this weekend that he surpassed 20 yards in a contest. In total, Hoomanawanui racked up four receptions and 46 yards along with his second NFL touchdown. The Rams are a talented young team looking to the future, and Hoomanawanui is clearly going to play a role.
GOLD
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Steelers
The Steelers are starting to break 2010 third round pick Emmanuel Sanders into a more prominent role in the offense. After scoring his first career touchdown last week with five receptions and 41 yards, Sanders chipped in with another 35 yards and a touchdown this week. With Hines Ward getting up there in age, the Steelers could use some new life in their offense. Sanders, has the makings of a potential starting slot receiver and in the short-term, he’s good for a few receptions including some looks in the red-zone each week.
Maurice Morris, RB, Lions
For several weeks we recommended picking up Kevin Smith because of the struggles of rookie running back Jahvid Best. Now that Smith is lost for the season, due to a thumb injury, we have turned to backup running back Maurice Morris as a legitimate fantasy option. In fact, this weekend, Morris led the Lions with 10 rushes and 31 rushing yards. He also chipped in with another 40 yards on four receptions. The Lions have a prolific passing game that could lead to several goal line opportunities for Morris. Keep an eye on the veteran running back, to replace Best as the team’s starting running back.
Blair White, WR, Colts
The return of Austin Collie lasted just a quarter before the Colts took him out after appearing woozy following some hard collisions. The odds are that Collie will miss some time and Blair White, is the player who will take his spot in the offense. White enjoyed his finest game yet this weekend, with 42 yards and two touchdowns. The undrafted rookie out of Michigan State, will have the chance to play a prominent role in the Colts offense, particularly with fellow wide out Pierre Garcon struggling.
DIAMOND
Mike Goodson, RB, Panthers
One of the bigger surprises this weekend was the play of Panthers running back Mike Goodson. Even against the same rush defense that shut down Michael Turner last week, Goodson racked up 151 total yards including 120 yards on 5.5 yards per carry. This is now the second straight week that Goodson had surpassed 100 rushing yards, which is more than either Jonathan Stewart or DeAngelo Williams managed when they were healthy. Now that Williams is lost for the season, there’s a good chance that Goodson will enjoy an opportunity for the remainder of the season to audition as a starting running back.
Brian Hartline, WR, Dolphins
Fantasy managers could not be pleased with the Dolphins getting shut out last weekend, but the one player who still managed to contribute was Brian Hartline. The 2009 fourth round pick out of Ohio State, established a career-high with 540 yards this season and now has an outside shot at reaching 1000 receiving yards this season. Fantasy managers can only hope that he finds a way to reach the end zone on a more consistent basis.
Brandon Gibson, WR, Rams
Fantasy managers need to get to know Brandon Gibson. The 2009 sixth round pick out of Washington State, entered the weekend averaging 70 yards over the last two games. This weekend, Gibson managed just 42 yards of offense, but he did score his third NFL touchdown and hauled in five receptions. The Rams have been desperate for a deep threat option, ever since Mark Clayton was lost for the season to an injury. While Danny Amendola offers plenty of production from the slot, Gibson has evolved as the team’s best deep threat.