It was a good time for quarterbacks and tight ends that are available on the waiver wire. Injuries may have opened the door for Eagles original starter Kevin Kolb, while ineffectiveness may have opened the door for rookie Max Hall. There was also a big performance from rookie quarterback Sam Bradford and last year’s first round pick Brandon Pettigrew is shining bright in Mo-Town.
Here’s a look at nine players widely available on the waiver wire that can end up as key contributors for your fantasy team this season.
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
Max Hall, QB, Cardinals
There wasn’t exactly a silver lining for the Cardinals this weekend, but down the road this may end up being the turning point for the franchise, as Max Hall performed well in his first significant opportunity of his career. While Derek Anderson tossed two interceptions and completed just 50% of his passes, Hall completed 57% of his passes while averaging six yards per pass attempt. The talent out of BYU had performed well in the preseason and will likely get the call to start either this weekend against New Orleans or after the bye week, when the Cardinals travel to Seattle.
Benjamin Watson, TE, Browns
The Browns pulled off the upset win over the Bengals. While Peyton Hillis deserves the most credit, tight end Benjamin Watson helped keep the opposing defense honest with five receptions for 60 yards. After having just 29 receptions all of last season, Watson has already hauled in 18 grabs for 185 yards and a touchdown.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Bills
Sure, the Bills lost by 24 points and Fitzpatrick completed a pathetic 44% of his passes, but there is some good news for fantasy managers. The Harvard alumnus tossed two touchdowns and perhaps more impressively, Fitzpatrick led the Bills in rushing with 74 yards on the ground. The Bills quarterback is certainly capable of posting the occasional big rushing performance, with a solid career average of 20 net rushing yards per game.
GOLD
Steve Johnson, WR, Bills
This little known Bills wide out is a repeat offender on this list. Last weekend we tried to drive everyone to pick up Steve Johnson, but instead the vast majority of fantasy managers opted for his teammate Roscoe Parrish. Last weekend Parrish was held to a single reception for seven yards, while Johnson again enjoyed some success with three receptions for 31 yards including a second straight game with a touchdown. Johnson has now brought in three receptions in every game this season. It’s safe to say that he offers consistency.
Kevin Kolb, QB, Eagles
Michael Vick was one of the best fantasy options under center so far this season, but he may be on the sidelines for a large chunk of it. As a result, the team’s original starting quarterback Kevin Kolb had a chance to return to action, and he shook off the rust to lead the team with 201 yards including a key touchdown. Though Kolb’s fantasy value will hinge on the health of Vick, this is certainly a situation to keep an eye on this week.
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions
The Lions surprised the Packers with a close contest this weekend, and the top target for the Lions was second-year tight end Brandon Pettigrew. The 2009 first round pick hauled in eight receptions for 91 yards. With 21 grabs over the last three games, Pettigrew’s value is exploding in leagues that reward points per receptions. Additionally, the heavy yardage provides Pettigrew with fantasy value across the board.
DIAMOND
Ryan Torain, RB, Redskins
The ‘Skins made a bold move this weekend when they handed Ryan Torain the bulk of the team’s carries over veteran Clinton Portis. Both running backs provided some solid value, but for fantasy managers the bigger story is that there is now a running back who is capable of posting big numbers available on the waiver wire. In total Torain racked up 70 rushing yards and scored a touchdown, confirming Mike Shanahan’s belief that he is capable of contributing in an expanded role for the ‘Skins.
Sam Bradford, QB, Rams
The Rams overpowered the Seahawks to even their record to 2-2 this weekend. The most shocking element of the contest was that rookie quarterback Sam Bradford and not veteran running back Steve Jackson, was the key to the team’s win. Bradford threw for 289 yards with two touchdowns and just one interception. Not just the future, but even the present is looking good right now for the Rams.
Michael Bush, RB, Raiders
It’s always a matter of which running back is still standing for the Raiders to decide who to start. With Michael Bush out to start the season, Darren McFadden responded with three excellent starts in which he averaged 115 rushing yards per game. McFadden was again effective this weekend, with 129 total yards before exiting in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile Bush enjoyed his finest game of the season, with 40 rushing yards including a touchdown. If McFadden ends up missing time, Bush’s fantasy value soars.