Week 11 Waiver Pick Up

November is flying by! The eleventh week of the NFL season is upon us. The pool of players available for waiver pick is barren (unless you are in a sub 10 team league). If you are looking for a player off waivers, you will have few quality options. Most of the stellar players not drafted have either already been picked up, or ended up fizzling out (yes I was on the Edelman band wagon early in the year).

Riley Cooper

He is currently owned in 51% of Yahoo! leagues, he should be owned in all. It is quite possible he is already owned in twelve team leagues and higher.  Last week I advised fantasy owners to pick up Riley Cooper off waivers. Those who followed the advice we're rewarded with a huge performance against the Packers. Cooper scored two touchdowns, and had a total of 102 receiving yards. Nick Foles and Riley Cooper have amazing chemistry, and the duo has proved they we're not one week wonders. He has amassed 55.90 fantasy points over the last two weeks, and has cemented himself as a legitimate fantasy receiver for the remainder of the year. I like that the numbers we're attained in games where the Eagles we're not playing catch up. The success came in a 27-13 win over Green Bay, and Nick Foles record tying day, a seven touchdown performance in a 49-20 win over the Raiders. This proves that Foles throws to Cooper even when the Eagles have a lead, which is a good sign.

 Jerricho Cotchery
 If you are looking for a fill in for Dallas' bye week, I would suggest Jerricho Cotchery.  He is only owned in 14% of Yahoo! leagues.  He has a respectable 82 fantasy points on the year.  He has reached the endzone six times this year, four times in the last two weeks. Some would call his surge of touchdowns flukey, I say it shows that Ben Roethlisberger throws him the ball in the red zone. There are worse players to take a chance on then Jericho Cotchery in Week 1. He has had 36.7 points over the past two weeks, if he stays hot he could benefit your team.  The Steelers will be playing Detroit, who do give up a fair amount of points to wide receivers. Hopefully Big Ben continues to get him the ball in the red zone.

Week 2 Waiver Pick Ups Fantasy Football 2013

The first week of the NFL season was extremely exciting! Peyton Manning threw for 462 yards and 7 touchdowns, as the Broncos beat the Ravens. Reggie Bush had 191 total yards, in a victory over the Vikings (which also saw an eighty yard Adrian Peterson run). The Packers and 49ers faced off, the Patriots had a close game against the Bills, and a Lavonte David penalty cost the Buccaneers their game against the Jets. The NFL action from the weekend has given us our first week of actual statistics,  we are no longer dealing with just projections. Offense and defenses have given us a taste of their potential and tendencies. The following are some suggestions as to who should be picked up on waivers. I believe these players can help your fantasy team.

Waiver Pick Ups

RB:Joique Bell  (If you own Reggie Bush)
After my fantasy leagues draft I dropped Johnathan Dwyer (who was cut by the Steelers). I immediately picked up Joique Bell. The Lions utilized him well last year. Last year saw Bell gain 899 total yards and 3 touchdowns. Week 1 saw the Lions utilize both Reggie Bush and Joique Bell effectively. They both produced over 20 fantasy points in week 1. If you are in a league with a flex and already own Bush, putting Bell in your flex spot is a great idea. In my twelve man league my options are Lance Moore, Michael Floyd, or Joique Bell in my flex spot. I'm going to use Bell until he gives me a reason not to. If the Lions offense continues to flourish, they should both see touches in both the running and passing game. I'm hoping Reggie Bush can stay healthy, but his injuries in the past give Bell and even larger upside. If you pick up Bell, and Bush goes down, you still have Bell.

TE:Julius Thomas (If you are lacking a decent Tight End)
He is Peyton Manning's tight end! If you do not have confidence in your tight end pick him up. I am not saying he will get 110 yards, and 2 touchdowns every week, however he has a ton of potential for big weeks.  His week one numbers occurred during Manning's spectacular 7 touchdown game. Tight end's with good quarterbacks generally succeed, especially tight ends with the athleticism of Thomas, he is worth a pick up.

WR: Julian Edelman (If you need a Wide Receiver)
Edelman had a solid week one. He produced 19.90 fantasy points. Tom Brady has chemistry with Edelman, and Edelman was actually starting over Wes Welker last year, until he was injured. He is in a high power offense, with an amazing quarterback.

Week 10: Picks Ups/No McFadden

Darren McFadden's most likely not going to play this week. This hurts my fantasy team. If your in a situation like mine, you most likely need a win this week to stay in the playoff hunt. In my 12 team league 10 teams make the playoffs. It is extremely hard to find replacements at running back in a league as deep as 12 teams. I find the difference in player availability between my 10 team league and 12 team league to be enormous. I will list some options for runningbacks who could be available in your league. Please note that this is suggestions in a 12 team league, a relatively deep league. In leagues with less teams there could be an even more beneficial runningback available. I'm hoping that McFadden can get back from his injury quickly as I don't want to rely on the guy I'm picking up for the rest of the year.

Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) - He is on waivers in my league, I put in a bid to pick him up. He has not really had any remarkable games. His benefit is that he most likely will get touches on Sunday against the Eagles. Murray has not returned from his injury, and has not practiced this week. If he could deliver you 7-10 points this weekend (which I believe is possible against the Eagles) he would be a worthwhile pick up.

Daniel Thomas (Miami Dolphins)- He and Reggie Bush practically split snaps last week. He will see the field this weekend. If Thomas can run for any amount of yardage and pound in one touchdown he would be a worthwhile pick up. Daniel Thomas most likely won't put up huge numbers, but I am fairly certain he will not blank the board. The Dolphins odds for the week are good, they are playing the Titans. The Titans have given up the 4th most points to runningbacks this season.

Joique Bell (Detroit Lions)- He is clearly the number two back in the Lions  offense. He will not take Leshoure's spot unless Leshoure suffers some sort of injury. Fortunatly Bell is active in the passing game, and he produced 16 points last week. His 16 points was against Jacksonville, the Lions play the Vikings this week. Picking him up really depends on how well you think the Lions will do playing in Minnesota this weekend.  He could break 100 yards of total offense again this week, the problem would be if he does not.

Taiwan Jones (Oakland Raiders) - Taiwan Jones and Marcel Reese will be picking up the slack in the Raiders running game. With McFadden and Goodson being injured, Taiwan appears to be the replacement runnungback. Baltimore has not been good against the run, maybe Taiwan Jones will have a good game. It is hard to say how many touches he will get. Some weeks I find it irritating to see how many times they have Carson Palmer throw the ball  when he has a back like McFadden who could be grinding out yards.

Shane Vereen (New England Patriots)- He is playing with the Pats against the Bills. The last time the Bills played the Patriots the Pats annihilated them. Both Brandon Bolden (the backup) and Stevan Ridley had enormous weekends. Maybe Vereen will get touches as the Pats attempt to run the clock down. Or maybe the Pats will simply run the ball a lot to move the chains as they did in their last meeting with Buffalo. It is not a sure fire play, but if the Pats get stalled at the goal line Vereen could easily be putting up six points. It's a very risky play, but one that could payoff if the Pats really pound the Bills. 

Good luck to everyone this week! Hopefully the suggestions above could give you an option you maybe had not thought of, or a bit of reassurance one way or another. I hope McFadden gets back quickly as his absence will seriously hurt my fantasy team.

Week 7 Player Pick Up

This week I have Julio Jones, Eric Decker and Reggie Bush on bye. There are several players available who could be a good option going forward or at least help you this week. These pick ups are for deeper leagues. My 12 man league has very few players on the wire, while a 10 man always has viable options. Here are my suggestions for pick up if these guys are still available.

Runningback

Felix Jones- Demarco Murray has suffered an injury. Felix Jones appears to be the new starter in Dallas. He looked decent last week against the Ravens. The Cowboys play the Panthers this week which is an extremely favorable match up. If he is available in your league pick him up!

William Powell- I picked him up last week. He is getting the majority of the carries for the Arizona Cardinals. They are not a team that runs the ball a ton, but he did manage to put up close to eight yards last year. He looks explosive and could have a decent week if the Cards are successful again the Vikings. He is basically a starting running back that could still be available.

Daryl Richardson- He and Stephen Jackson seem to be splitting the time for the Rams. Last week he put up up almost eight fantasy points. This week the Rams play Green Bay. There is a lot of speculation  that he will take over the starting job from Stephen Jackson.  I'm not exactly sure what is going to happen, but I would snap him up if you really could use someone.

Alex Green- He is the lead back right now for the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are going to score, and he could be the one to punch one in the at the goal line. He will probably not be available in your league if you have any even remotely savvy players. If you can find him in your league he is a viable flex option.

Wide Receiver

Josh Gordon- He is emerging of a favorite target of Brandon Weeden. Is Weeden the best quarterback in the NFL? No. Are the Cleveland Browns good? No. But they have put up over 20 points the past two weeks, and Josh Gordon keeps getting the ball thrown his way. He is worth a pick up if you have your receivers on bye.

Brandon Gibson- He seems to be the wideout beneffiting most from Danny Amendola's injury. He had seven catches and ninety one yards last week. The Rams play Green Bay this week. If Green Bay can put up a lead or if the Rams keep it close there is a potential for big fantasy points for Gibson. Definitely a solid pick up if you have a receiver on bye.

Week 6 Fantasy Advice (Pick Up, Waivnner, Trade)

It is extremely difficult to find suitable players to pick up right now. It is even more difficult if your league has a maximum amount of players you can pick up for the season. If your hands are extremely tied it may be a good idea to seek a trade. In a 10 person league their is usually plenty of players to be had from the waiver wire. An example of such a player would be Andre Roberts. Andre Roberts is a good receiver, the second option in the Cardinals pass happy offense, he is available in my 10 person league. He is not available in my 12 person league.

Bye weeks are hitting which is also causing some problems. I went from an under performing McFadden alongside Reggie Bush, with Lance Moore in the flex in week 4; to playing with Bush, Brandon Bolden, and having to pick up and play Greg Little in my flex this week. You have to truly examine your team and see if the guys you have do give you a shot at making the playoffs. This week was truly the most trying on me team in terms of key players having byes. I will have one more tough week in regards to byes. However the rest of the weeks seem to have a fairly bright outlook. Therefore I would like to make a small trade to improve my flex, or pick up a good player or two through the wire. I will not blow up my team. I would only make a major move to help my team if I was receiving a dominant player like Foster.

I know I will need to pick up players to have a good starting line up in week 7. Although it is hard not to panic as I lost my game this week, I don't have to pick anyone up this week. If I see someone promising on the waiver wire I will pick them up, however if I don't I can wait till after week 6. The fantasy football season is like the real football season, it is a war not a battle. It is about having the best team over the long haul. In my 12 team league four teams make the playoffs. I predict 8-6 will be the record of the lowest seed in the playoffs, it could be tight and come down to a tie breaker. My record is currently 2-3. I need to find a way to win as many games as possible, but keep in mind that I can not lose four more games, and should try not to lose three more. If your looking at your team and feel like their is little hope to make it into the playoffs be it off projections, your current record, or other indications, that is the time to shake up your team. I need to make a small move or two to make the playoffs, but I believe my team can get me to at least 8-6.

That is my general advice on how to handle a team. Always try to get good players from the wire, tread carefully when you trade. If your team is losing hope and you don't think you can squeak into the playoffs, it might be time to shake your team up and make a  big move. Below is a list of players who I believe have some fantasy upside. These players are my suggestions if you are in a fairly deep league, such as my 12 person one. If you are in a ten man league there may be better players available.

QB

• Christian Ponder- A viable starter at this point. The Vikings have looked very good.
• Kevin Kolb- Has had protection issues, however the Cards pass a ton. He will put up some numbers.

RB

• Alex Green- Cedric Benson just went down. It is possible that Alex Green will take over the RB  role. If he does he will surely put up some points in the high power Packers offense.
• William Powell- With Ryan Williams injury it could lead  to Powell getting starting reps for the Cardinals, hopefully they can start to run effectively. They play the Bills this week.
• Danny Woodhead-Always has a chance to see some action depending on the Pats game plan. He will not save your team. But it is very possible that he will score or see some decent yardage in many weeks.
• Brandon Bolden-Similar to Woodhead. He plays a much different role then Danny, however he seems to be the 2nd runningback in the powerful Pats offense. 

WR

• Jeremy Kerley-He seems to have an expanding role in the Jets offense. He gets throws from Sanchez, and also returns kicks. The only downside is the Jets offense has not been good.
• Mario Manningham-He scored a TD this week. He has seen more targets then Randy Moss thus far. He could prove to be a good pick up.
• Golden Tate-He has scored a few times. An option in the Seahawks options. Similiar to Kerley his issue is his teams offense is not very good.

TE

• Scott Chandler- A favored target of Ryan Fitzpatrick. He has had some good games.
• Greg Olsen-Cam Newton is his quarterback. If the Panthers have a good game it is possible Olsen will to.
• Joel Dressen -Peyton Manning often runs no huddle with two tight ends. Tamme and Dressen. Dressen will put up some adequate numbers.

Waiver Pick Up Week 2

Here are some players I believe can help any team who picks them up. These are players who are not owned by 90 percent of leagues or higher on Yahoo.


Stevan Ridley RB New England Patriots
If is he is available in your ague pick him up. He is the premier back on the New England Patriots. Many pundits predict the Patriots to do well, I believe the Patriots will do well, the Patriots do well every year. If you have the ability to sign Ridley do it. He put up 20+ points for me in Week 1. He was the best pick up I made. A great addition to me team. If he is available pick him up. The Patriots will win several games this year, and this guy is an asset to your team.

Kevin Smith RB Detroit Lions
If he is available pick him up. He is similiar to Stevan Ridley. He is the running back in an over powered offense. He is bound to put up fantasy points this year. Unless his back ups overtake his role in the running game, he will produce fantasy points this year.


Michael Bush RB Chicago Bears
Seems to put in Matt Forte's touchdowns. He is the clear goal line option for the Chicago Bears. He is a good player in flex leagues.  If he is available pick him up. He is at the minimum a good gamble on the bye week.

Lance Moore WR New Orleans Saints
Plays with the pass happy Drew Brees. The Saints always pass. He is probably available, and will certainly fill a bye week role on your team.

Dennis Pita TE Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are passing alot now. Do you  trust Joe Flacco? If your TE is junk give Pita a try. Who knows what will happen? I certainly don't know. Here is to hoping he has a good year. Just don't start him over a guy like Hernandez or Gronk. That would be foolish.

Waiver Pick Up, Upcoming Draft

After my draft I realized I did not have a strong back up CB. A person in my league dropped Jason McCourty so I picked him up. Tamba Hali is facing a one game suspension and my general defensive players are strong. McCourty was a great pick up for me. If you see a player in free agency who you believe will aide your team pick him up! The league I just picked up McCourty in has no waiver limit, so there is no risk. However even if you have a limit, as long as it is not ridiculously low, pick up players. If you see a great guy in the free agency pool add him to your team! Don't be attached to the late round guy you drafted who turns out to not fit on your team. Upgrade if you can.  I am predicted to go 11-2, best in my league. My team for that league can be seen in my previous post. I am drafting a team on September 3rd. It will be in a 12 man league with a flex. It will be a much more difficult draft then my last one. I will post about it as soon as the draft is done! Good luck everybody!