Deeper Waiver Wire Sleepers: Players Who May Still Be Available

Lost out on some of the big name free agents this week?  Stuck with half your roster on bye this week, and need someone to fill in?  No worries, there are always more waiver wire sleepers out there for you to consider. I'm going to take a look at some players that are almost definitely available in your league who could provide quite a boost to your team for this week and through the season.

In this piece, I’ve attempted to identify some deeper sleepers who may have either fallen off the radar, or are not getting enough love from fantasy football owners and are still underowned. Some of these players may still be available in your leagues, depending on the league size and format, so feel free to take a chance on them or pick them up and stash them if they’re still sitting out there.

You never know, any of these players can emerge in Week 9 or beyond and become different makers for fantasy football owners – especially in deeper leagues. Remember, we’re digging deeper here, so let’s see what the free agent pool has lying around.

Digging Deeper - Potential Waiver Wire Sleepers

Kyle Orton - QB, BUF

16% Owned in Fleaflicker

It’s so weird putting Orton on this list, but he honestly deserves it.  After becoming the starter for the Bills just four weeks ago, he ranks ninth in yards per game, and he's averaging over two touchdowns and fewer than 1 interception per contest-- pretty impressive numbers, especially considering he's faced the #2 and #5 passing defenses so far in Detroit and New England.  It’s crazy that his numbers have been so good-- after all, he was “retired” to begin the year, and he’s playing in an offense that was so absolutely inept when E.J. Manuel was at the helm (Orton has helped make Sammy Watkins relevant).

It’s completely warranted to use him as a bye-week filler or even a desperation start over the next few weeks.  If he’s able to keep up the pace, he does have a juicy playoff schedule with Green Bay and Oakland.  After Buffalo's bye, Orton does face the Chiefs, the league's top-ranked pass defense, but the Chiefs have risen to the top of that list by playing run-heavy teams and a struggling Patriots club earlier in the season.  Orton is a solid speculative add that you likely won’t need to waste a waiver claim on.

Martavis Bryant - WR, PIT

22% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

I, along with many other folks, did not expect much production out of Martavis Bryant this year, outside of the occasional deep ball.  Over the past two weeks, though, he’s been a monster, becoming a big target for Ben Roethlisberger not just in the red zone, but everywhere on the field.  He’s received 12 targets since being activated for the first time in Week 7, hauling in seven for 123 yards and three touchdowns-- not too shabby at all.

With Markus Wheaton a liability on the outside, and the Steelers lacking depth at the position, look for Bryant’s opportunities to be somewhat consistent from here on out.  He’s proven to be an effective red-zone threat, something the Steelers have been dying for, so he could consistently flirt with WR3 numbers for the rest of the season.  He’s already been miles better than Wheaton in every category, and I’d consider stashing him in any league I could. He has a great playoff matchup in Week 15 against the Falcons.

Jarvis Landry - WR, MIA

9% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

Gameflow really didn’t allow the Dolphins offense to completely dismantle the Jaguars defense this past week, as a majority of their opportunities didn't come until the third quarter.  What was nice to see, though, was their use of Jarvis Landry.  Brian Hartline has been a massive disappointment this year, which has opened up plenty of opportunities for Landry to make an impact, and he’s begun to shine.  A full-arsenal speed-threat rookie, Landry had the makings of a raw prospect out of college, but he’s been utilized correctly in Miami as both a gadget player and slot weapon, fighting his way to 5.5 average targets over his last six games.

Those numbers are probably going to stay steady through the balance of the season, but against a San Diego team that is absolutely decimated at corner (questionable Flowers, no Verett, new addition Richard Crawford), Landry is an exciting plug-and-play for those looking for a home run, as the Chargers have given up their fair share of big plays this year.  The Dolphins offense has improved this year, and Landry is someone to watch as a deep-league stash who could become a decent FLEX play by year's end.

Stedman Bailey - WR, STL

2% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

I listed Bailey in this space initially when he came off his suspension, and I want to mention him again in light of the news that Brian Quick will miss the rest of the season.  I’d honestly prefer to avoid all St. Louis receivers until they get a new QB, but in desperation, I think Bailey is one of the better adds this week.

Bailey is expected to be the new starter opposite Kenny Britt.  He’s quick, surprisingly precise on his routes, and has excellent hands (something none of his teammates can boast).  He could become a reliable safety blanket for Austin Davis over the second half of the year as a valuable PPR WR4 asset, not unlike Jeremy Kerley of the Jets.

Hail Mary Sleepers

Here are a few deep league stashes that may end up being valuable contributors down the stretch if they can earn some playing time.

Latavius Murray - A big back that has some quickness, Murray should be seeing more playing time for a team that needs some young talent.  That may come as soon as next week, with Jones-Drew being wildly ineffective.

Brian Tyms - The most physically gifted New England receiver is going to find himself in the game plan on more than one occasion this year.

Brice Butler - A freak athlete that is going to struggle for playing time behind James Jones and Andre Holmes, though he could see increased snaps as the Raiders ship continues to sink.

Paul Richardson - He’s seen consistent snaps now that Harvin is gone, but hasn’t been able to hit the home run necessary for him to be fantasy relevant.  With the Seahawks needing more offense, they may force the issue.

Corey Washington - Washington hasn’t had any playing time yet, but if the Giants struggle to get their passing attack going again, look for him to see the field and immediately jump ahead of the terrible Preston Parker.