RADIO
Week 8 was deemed an injury wasteland before the early games were even over. Some notable names that left the field yesterday:
LeVeon Bell, Matt Forte, Steve Smith, Reggie Bush, Khiry Robinson, Orleans Darkwa, Larry Donnell, Keenan Allen, Kendall Wright, Eddie Royal, Nate Washington, and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Bell, Smith and Bush are confirmed out for the year already.
All of these injuries coincide with the heaviest bye week of the year, with six teams on bye. The Cardinals, Ravens, Lions, Texans, Chiefs, and Seahawks are all off. Things are tricky to say the least heading into this next week. Lineups are going to look pretty funky this week.
Let’s look around the league at who is worth a bid going into Week 9. Each price recommendation will be based on a $100 FAAB budget.
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Quarterbacks
Derek Carr (QB, OAK) – FAAB Bid: $6 - 8
45% owned in Fleaflicker
Derek Carr came out firing against the San Diego defense in Week 7, ending the game with 24 completions on 31 attempts for 289 yards and three touchdowns. Carr followed this up with a 333 yard four touchdown performance against a strong Jets defense. Week 9 he gets the Pittsburgh defense which just did very well against a great Bengals offense, but after carving up the Jets, you can't be scared off by the Steelers. Carr and the Raiders have shown that they are nowhere near the running joke that they've been in past years. Still available in over half of leagues, he is here to help.
Tyrod Taylor (QB, BUF) - FAAB Bid: $6 - 8
46% owned in Fleaflicker
Fantasy owners act like they forgot about Tyrod. He's been hurt and then Buffalo had a bye week, so I can't blame you. All reports indicate that Taylor is good to go along with most of Buffalo's weapons (outside of Percy Harvin) as he gets a Week 9 matchup with the Miami Dolphins who are licking their wounds after a beating at the hands of the Patriots. The Patriots showed how vulnerable the Dolphins are in the secondary. Tyrod is fresh for this matchup, and the team has had two weeks to gameplan for Miami. Taylor had performed well before he got hurt, and there's no reason he shouldn't pick back up where he left off.
Josh McCown (QB, CLE) – FAAB Bid: $2 - 3
26% owned in Fleaflicker
It wasn't the prettiest effort out of McCown and the Cleveland offense, but they put up a good fight against a good Cardinals defense. Many people (myself included) thought Arizona would jump all over Cleveland and run away with this game. McCown had three fumbles (only one was lost) and a crummy 53% completion percentage, but ended the game with 211 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Even in a terrible matchup he put up QB2 numbers. The Browns have put together a pretty good passing attack with Travis Benjamin, Gary Barnidge, and Duke Johnson. McCown faces the Bengals and Steelers in the next two weeks before the Browns have their bye, and while they aren't the greatest road matchups to have, McCown hasn't had a truly awful game all year (outside of getting hurt in Week 1), even posting 13.85 points against the Denver defense. You can do much worse and he is coming out of the worst stretch of their schedule (Denver, St. Louis, and Arizona) with brighter days ahead.
Others To Note:
Jay Cutler (QB, CHI) – FAAB Bid: $2 - 3
41% owned in Fleaflicker
Cutler is still available in over half of Fleaflicker leagues after doing well in a matchup with a good Vikings defense. While the Bears lost the game, Cutler was able to stomach the loss of Matt Forte thanks to a strong connection with Alshon Jeffery. Chicago's bye week gave their players a chance to really get everyone 100% healthy, which was of course ruined by Forte's injury in their first game back, but regardless, a fully healthy Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett are going to be the featured pieces in the offense now. This benefits Jay Cutler, in that he will have to be the guy. Some may point to this as a negative, in that the loss of Forte means defenses will key in on him more. Losing a guy like Forte is never going to "help" anyone, as he is a great offensive weapon and Jeremy Langford is not going to be the receiving option that Forte was. From a fantasy point of view though, Cutler is going to have to do more. Eddie Royal also hurt his knee, but Marquess Wilson is arguably an improvement from what he's shown this year. The Bears will engage in a probable shootout with San Diego in Week 9. Scoop him up for that Monday night matchup, but be aware that the next two games after that are against the Rams and the, gulp, Broncos. After those two games though, he gets the Packers, 49ers, Redskins, Vikings and Buccaneers. That's a pretty good one, especially with a Tampa Bay matchup coming in most leagues' championship week. Keep it in mind.
Brian Hoyer (QB, HOU) – FAAB Bid: $2 - 3
22% owned in Fleaflicker
Hoyer continues to be a solid QB2 type, completing 23 of his 35 throws for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Losing Arian Foster didn't seem to phase him, as he was still able to find DeAndre Hopkins and Nate Washington (before he left) for touchdowns. The Titans defense isn't a joke or anything, this was a good effort from the Texans offense considering how one dimensional they had to be. The Texans now get to take their bye week to hopefully get Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts back to 100%. Hoyer may be more of a watch list kind of guy, as he has a bye and then matchups against the Bengals and Jets. Be aware of that, but Hoyer has strung together five good games now, with his last four being over 20 points according to Fleaflicker default scoring. That'll play.
Jameis Winston (QB, TB) - FAAB Bid: $1 - 2
30% owned in Fleaflicker
I'll say it again. This isn't the same Jameis Winston. Jameis Winston started off so poorly that it very well may have tapped into a few cognitive biases for people where we give an exceptional amount of decision making weight to his first game. Winston is improving, he hasn't thrown an interception since Week 4. He just led the Buccaneers to a victory over the previously 6-1 Atlanta Falcons without his #2 and #3 receivers, as well as his #1 tight end. Mike Evans wasn't even particularly effective on Sunday. Austin Seferian-Jenkins was doubtful coming into the weekend and didn't play, but the hope is that he can suit up next week in a matchup against a Giants defense that just got beaten down on a historical level. Doug Martin is running great, taking some pressure off of what Winston has to do, and the defense has looked better lately. After the Giants, Winston faces the Cowboys and Eagles. Not great matchups, but he's growing, and if he is your QB2 you can be happy with that.
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Running Backs
DeAngelo Williams (PIT, RB) – FAAB Bid: Entire Wallet
54% owned in Fleaflicker
LeVeon Bell is done for 2015 with a torn MCL. First of all, ouch. Second of all, this means that DeAngelo Williams becomes the guy again for Pittsburgh. This timing coincides with the Steelers' offense getting Ben Roethlisberger back, which means the passing attack will be a huge threat, allowing Williams to not be keyed in on as if Mike Vick or Landry Jones was under center. Williams did very well for the Steelers in the first two weeks while Bell was suspended, and he picked up where he left off in relief of Bell on Sunday, gaining 71 yards on only nine carries and adding in four catches for 39 yards. He is the top priority for all owners.
Jeremy Langford (CHI, RB) – FAAB Bid: $12 - 15
10% owned in Fleaflicker
Matt Forte does not appear to have a season threatening injury, as all reports to this moment indicate that he has an MCL sprain which can shelf a running back for multiple weeks. Enter: Jeremy Langford. He didn't do anything too special in relief of Forte, rushing 12 times for 46 yards and dropping a pass, but rest assured this guy is talented. It'd be nicer if the Bears offensive line was better at run blocking and opening up holes, but Langford is going to be the unquestioned #1 RB in Chicago for as long as Forte is out, and that is worth grabbing if you can't get DeAngelo Williams.
Charcandrick West (RB, KC) - FAAB Bid: $15 - 20
58% owned in Fleaflicker
West is clearly the starting running back for Kansas City. A starting running back in an offense that will (stubbornly and sometimes stupidly) abuse their running game needs to be owned in way more than three-fifths of leagues. It's understandable how after Week 7's absolute dud that West may have been cut by owners, or just ignored in shallower leagues where owners could afford a "show me" week. He has now showed everyone that he can make things happen in back to back weeks. If he's out there, you've got to get him. He may have some tough matchups that leave him on your bench, but KC has made it clear that they are committed to West, and in the right matchups this is going to pay handsomely for West owners.
Others To Note:
Joique Bell (DET, RB) – FAAB Bid: $2 - 3
51% owned in Fleaflicker
No, you weren't watching The Walking Dead Sunday morning, that zombie you saw was a living Joique Bell. He only had seven carries as the Lions had to abandon the run pretty early thanks to the gameflow (aka getting slaughtered by the Chiefs), but Bell tallied 56 yards on those seven carries, good for eight yards per carry. In a backfield where no one is showing anything, the door is open for a hot hand to take the reins. Theo Riddick is a good passing option, but the Lions don't have a reliable between the tackles guy. Bell was that guy last year, and Detroit must be happy to see him show some of that burst again. He may very well have played his way back into those short yardage and goal line opportunities. He shouldn't cost you much to acquire, it's a low risk maneuver that could pay off nicely.
David Cobb (RB, TEN) - FAAB Bid: $5 - 6
39% owned in Fleaflicker
If you can still get Cobb right now, he can probably be had for cheap. He won't appear on any of the weekly stat sheets as he is still on the injured reserve. He will return in a few weeks and no one in Tennessee's backfield has shown they can be a true running back with any effectiveness. Dexter McCluster has shown lately that he has value as a pass catcher, but he isn't big enough to be a true between the tackles guy. Antonio Andrews (30% owned in Fleaflicker) had a decent game considering Zach Mettenberger was under center again, rushing for 64 yards on 16 carries for an even four yards per carry, but he just hasn't done anything stellar. Whether that's due to his own skill or the untimely injury to Marcus Mariota considering Andrews' window to show he deserves the job with Cobb sidelined, it's difficult to tell. Terrance West and Bishop Sankey are basically invisible at this point. David Cobb should get a good crack at the job when he comes back. If you have room to speculate, scoop him up for cheap now before demand and an imminent return drive the price up. It may very well be a committee for the whole year, but if Cobb comes in and runs well and steals momentum, there's no reason he can't snag the job.
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Wide Receivers
Kamar Aiken (BAL, WR) – FAAB Bid: $8 - 1o
15% owned in Fleaflicker
Steve Smith has a confirmed Achilles tear and is out for the rest of the season. Kamar Aiken has been covered here before as the Ravens' #2 receiver, though he really hasn't been all that impressive. In earlier pieces it has been said how he basically has the "opportunity" portion of what you want to roster locked down now, but the "talent" side is lacking a bit. His target to reception ratio is usually half, which can be partly pinned on Joe Flacco's throws, but most receivers will beat that rate. What is encouraging is that on Sunday he turned all six targets into receptions, finishing the game with six catches for 62 yards. He is the #1 receiver for the Ravens now, and all #1 receivers should be rostered. Available in many leagues, you're going to want to find a spot for him even with the bye week coming up. He'll get the Jaguars poor secondary in Week 10, a strong Rams D in Week 11, and then the Browns in Week 12. It's not the most fun play to make, but his opportunity is undeniable now.
Malcom Floyd (SD, WR) - FAAB Bid: $7 - 9
21% owned in Fleaflicker
Malcom Floyd had a good day on Sunday, and it's propelling him to the top of a lot of owners' speculation when the news broke that Keenan Allen would miss some time with a kidney injury. Floyd has size and time with Philip Rivers under his belt, and he will definitely get additional looks given Allen's injury. Antonio Gates being less than 100% and Ladarius Green also having to leave Sunday's game due to his own injury only opens the door further. The Chargers offensive line is still beat up, and Melvin Gordon still can't get anything going behind it. The passing game is going to be the Chargers offense moving forward, and you can look for Floyd to be a significant part of it with Allen out, especially when they need to stretch the field.
Stevie Johnson (SD, WR) - FAAB Bid: $6 - 8
38% owned in Fleaflicker
I'd feel a lot better if Stevie Johnson seemed 100% himself, but regardless he is a mid range and short route runner with exceptional hands that could definitely fill in respectably for Keenan Allen's type of routes. Johnson is the most "possession" type of receiver that the Chargers have left now. He was averaging around six targets a game before this, and that should get bumped up to the eight range. In PPR leagues I would go for Stevie, and in standard leagues I would go for Malcom Floyd.
Willie Snead (NO, WR) – FAAB Bid: $3 - 5
42% owned in Fleaflicker
Snead has been a trendy name for several weeks now, but this insane 52 point effort from the Saints may be what finally pushes Snead over the 50% owned threshold. Snead ended the game with seven receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns. He hadn't scored since Week 2, but he's averaging about seven targets per game since that same game. With Drew Brees and the Saints' offense looking much stronger of late, that means those targets have a much higher production value. What may help Snead fly a little more under the radar in this waiver round is how strong of a game Brandin Cooks and Marques Colston had, so perhaps some uneducated owners will recognize Colston's name and assume he's the #2 for the Saints, when it has really looked more like Snead is the guy for Drew Brees. Capitalize on this if he's still out there, and get Snead in your lineup.
Others to Note:
Robert Woods (BUF, WR) – FAAB Bid: $2 - 4
15% owned in Fleaflicker
With Sammy Watkins out and Percy Harvin reportedly hurt so badly that retirement is on the table, Woods saw 13 targets against Jacksonville in Week 7. It is very difficult to write off a 13 target game. He turned those into nine receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. Tyrod Taylor, LeSean McCoy, and Sammy Watkins might all come back for the Bills' Week 9 tilt against Miami. While Woods probably won't see double digit targets, he still should be a good start. Percy Harvin is out indefinitely so he'll be on the field plenty as the second wide receiver. The Patriots showed that Miami can be torn up through the air, which most people knew, but it was abundantly clear last week. Woods should have a good shot at about seven or eight targets against Miami, which plenty of owners would be happy to roster.
Chris Givens (BAL, WR) - FAAB Bid: $1 - 2
2% owned in Fleaflicker
As we've discussed, Steve Smith is done for the year with a torn Achilles and most people are going to be flocking to Kamar Aiken. Aiken is definitely worth your attention as has been pointed out, but don't let Chris Givens just fall through the cracks if you're speculating or in deeper leagues. Givens came over from the Rams, and ended this game with three receptions for 57 yards. He's more of a stretch the field type of guy, but there is no doubting that the door is open for any wide receiver for the Ravens to earn their way into more playing time. A forgotten name, he could turn into a good option for a strong armed Joe Flacco to hit in games where the Ravens are engaged in a close one or trailing (which should be most games from what we've seen).
Dwayne Harris (NYG, WR) – FAAB Bid: $1
27% owned in Fleaflicker
Don't be too rash to judge the output from this shootout, as clearly Eli Manning won't have six touchdowns to dole out each week. It is still important that Dwayne Harris has seen the usage he has, and despite leaving the field with a knee/ankle injury for a little, he came back to catch a second touchdown later. Harris doesn't have the most reliable hands, but he's a fast guy who is playable in games that call for the Giants to be throwing. While Odell Beckham will draw almost all of the secondary's attention, it leaves Rueben Randle and Dwayne Harris to carve up the rest of the field. Larry Donnell and Daniel Fells are both gone for the Giants as of now, leaving Will Tye as the last tight end. Harris is needed for the Giants' passing attack, and their running game hasn't been strong enough to leave many scenarios where the Giants don't have to throw. Keep Harris in mind if you're in deeper leagues and need a sneakier option that most might scoff at. Unfortunately the two touchdowns will probably propel him to most owner's consciousness, but regardless you shouldn't write this off as just a product of an insane shootout.
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Tight Ends
Jordan Reed (WSH, TE) – FAAB Bid: $6 - 8
57% owned in Fleaflicker
Reed is healthy, so he needs to be owned. The Redskins bye week has come and gone, and now they enter a matchup against the Patriots where you know they're going to need to keep up, and it won't be through their struggling running game. Kirk Cousins absolutely loves Jordan Reed, and for good reason. The guy is a great athlete, a big target, and he has good hands and route running abilities out of the tight end spot. He brutalized Tampa Bay for 11 catches, 72 yards and two touchdowns on 13 targets. Now the Buccaneers defense turned into an absolute sieve in the fourth quarter, but Reed was getting the looks from Cousins all game. He is a TE1 when he's healthy, you just need to be prepared to have a fallback option at tight end for his next injury.
Benjamin Watson (NO, TE) - FAAB Bid: $3 - 5
42% owned in Fleaflicker
Speaking of Benjamin Watson, here you go. Watson absolutely balled out against the Giants, though most Saints receiving option did. After Rob Gronkowski had a great game on Thursday, many people probably would have pegged that performance as the top tight end game for the weekend to come. Watson wasn't having it, posting nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown. His past four weeks have been very strong, with touchdowns coming in three of them. Matchups against the Titans and Redskins are on deck, neither of which is all that intimidating. Invest in Watson.
Vernon Davis (DEN, TE) - FAAB Bid: $2 - 3
28% owned in Fleaflicker
Well, news broke on Monday afternoon as this was being written that Vernon Davis is being traded to the Denver Broncos for some late rounds picks. While this is an insane improvement from Vernon Davis' stock with Colin Kaepernick and the dying 49ers, don't think this vaults him back into the top tier of tight ends just like that. It's good to be early rather than late of course, but the Broncos aren't the pass happy offensive destroyer of worlds that they used to be, and Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are still going to be the top two targets. Owen Daniels likely won't disappear, and Virgil Green will still have his plays at TE as well (though mostly as a blocker I wager). Of course, now Vernon Davis gets to face Oakland in Week 14, so there's that. Perhaps Davis shows new life coming into an organization with a great chance at winning such as Denver from a team like San Francisco and gives the Broncos a real target in the middle of the field. Definitely worth a dice roll, and he's available in nearly three quarters of Fleaflicker leagues. Scoop him up.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TB, TE) - FAAB Bid: $2 - 3
49% owned in Fleaflicker
He should return to an offense that needs him. He gets the Giants defense this next week that cannot cover tight ends (or anyone over the middle), and just allowed Benjamin Watson to run rampant over them. Hope that ASJ can go, because this matchup is great for him and Jameis Winston certainly would love to see someone other than Mike Evans out there to throw to that he can trust to go up and get the ball.
Heath Miller (PIT, TE) – FAAB Bid: $1
38% owned in Fleaflicker
Ben Roethlisberger came back and immediately started hitting up his safety valve in Heath Miller to the tune of 13 targets, good for 10 receptions and 105 yards. While it'd be too much to project Miller for 10+ weekly targets, it's important to note how Roethlisberger's return doesn't only help Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. Miller also benefits a little from LeVeon Bell's injury, as DeAngelo Williams isn't much of a dropoff at RB in the passing game, but no one is LeVeon Bell. A few targets that went to Bell may continue to come Miller's way.
