Working the Waiver Wire - Week 4

This was an insane week in the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs are the only undefeated team in the NFL. The 49ers are 0-4 and the Rams are in a 3 way tie for 1st place in the NFC West. The Jags beat the Colts. If you finished the afternoon games yesterday, and all you needed was 1 point from Matt Forte, Jay Cutler, and Randy Moss, you lost because they combined for 0. It was a rough week for my teams led by Cutler, Forte, Knox, Vick, Rice, and Chris Johnson, but I hope you survived the craziness. If you're like me and drafted for depth, I have faith that we'll win several matchups through these bye weeks. While other people's stars are on byes and they have to start Lee Evans in their flex, we'll say "Oh no, my stars are on bye; I guess I'll have to start Malcolm Floyd or Ryan Torain!"

This was not a huge week for pickups, but consider these talented gentlemen:

1) Ryan Torain (WAS RB)
If for some reason, Torain is still available in your league, you need to snatch him up now. The Skins waived Keiland Williams, and Clinton Portis left the game late with a groin injury. Torain carried the ball 18 times for 70 yards and a TD. We're awaiting the results of an MRI for Clinton Portis, but Coach Shanahan spoke highly of Torain today. He should get at least half the carries going forward, if not more.

2) Michael Bush (OAK RB)
If Bush was dropped in your league, pick him up. Darren McFadden came up lame after a run and did not return. Bush looked very solid in replacement duty. Much of Bush's value will be determined by the extent of McFadden's injury. It looks very possible that DMC will miss at least one game, which will give Bush a great opportunity to audition to be more than a change of pace back. Bush carried the ball 7 times for 40 yards and a TD.


3) Kevin Kolb (PHI QB)
Michael Vick was absolutely crunched and will not play Sunday night against the 49ers. Kolb looked okay in replacement duty, dumping it off frequently to LeSean McCoy.  He put up 201 yards, a TD, and a pick. He's a must-add for Vick-owners. Kolb will get SF, Atlanta, and Tennessee in the next few weeks.

 
4) Kenny Britt (TEN WR)
Justin Gage sustained an injury and will likely miss some time, which opens the door for Kenny Britt to live up to his sleeper potential. Britt only had 3 catches for 23 yards and a TD in this game. But Britt is the most talented receiver in Tennessee and Vince Young is playing pretty well. I'd temper my expectations because I just don't see anyone in Tennessee's passing game having a huge season. But Britt could be a serviceable starting WR3.


5) Davone Bess (MIA WR)
Bess had 9 catches for 93 yards and a TD on 12 targets. That was mostly the product of the Patriots double-covering Brandon Marshall, but you can expect many teams to double-cover Marshall. Bess looked more like Wes Welker tonight than Welker did. Bess has been great in PPR leagues, hauling in 22 passes so far. He may be inconsistent going forward, but he may also develop into a solid WR worthy of your starting line-up.


6) Mike Bell (PHI RB)
LeSean McCoy fractured a rib on Sunday, but returned to the game, so you'd think it is not terribly serious. But there is a real chance he misses Sundays game against the 49ers. Mike Bell would get the start. Bell performed admirably for the Saints last year when Pierre Thomas missed time. Bell could step in and be a fine RB2 on this offense. It's unfortunate that he's more of a goalline back than a pass-catching back because we know that Kolb will look to check it down often to his TE and RB. Monitor McCoy's health and add Bell if you have room.


7) Shaun Hill (DET QB)
Hill has put in some solid performances in Matt Stafford's absence. Hill took full advantage of Calvin Johnson, and posted 331 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs. Hill added 53 yards rushing. He doesn't have much longterm value unless he pushes Stafford for playing time. But if you have a QB bye in the next 2 or 3 weeks, or need someone to replace an injured Vick, you could do worse than Shaun Hill. In his 3 starts, Hill has posted 26, 14, and 28 fantasy points. 


8) Brandon Pettigrew (DET TE)
Pettigrew has been a favorite target of Shaun Hill. In 3 games together, Pettigrew has averaged 7 catches for 80 yards per game. When Stafford returns, I expect Pettigrew to settle down and Tony Scheffler to instead be the Detroit TE to own. But if you need a solid TE in the next few weeks, pickup Pettigrew.

Note: If BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Louis Murphy, Lance Moore, LeGarrette Blount, Mark Clayton, Kyle Orton or any Denver WR is still available, add them.