Here is what everyone is waiting for, the FFLockerRoom’s first installment of our weekly Waiver Wire picks. I am going to put these guys in order of what I believe to be the most important guys first, top down.
Players I think are safe to drop: Christine Michael, Denard Robinson, Aaron Dobson, Ryan Williams, LaMichael James, Quinton Patton and Ryan Broyles.
MUST OWN
1. Julius Thomas, TE, Denver Broncos – Everyone saw what happened Thursday night with Peyton Manning exploding for 7 touchdowns. And Thomas was one of the fortunate ones to have a spectacular day. He finished with 5 receptions and 110 yards with two TDs. He won’t come close to that every week, but you gotta like his size and the fact that Peyton went to him early in the game to open up the rest of the offense.
2. Joique Bell, RB, Detroit Lions – I know, I know, this seems like such a homer pick as I’m such a huge Lions fan but just look at the amount of work he got. He totaled 92 yards and scored two touchdowns. I think he could be an every week flex play in deep leagues and makes a nice flex during bye weeks. And when the Detroit Lions made the announcement that Mikel LeShoure was active for week one, that made Bell’s value go up even further.
3. Brian Hartline, WR, Miami Dolphins – Hartline was pretty much left for dead in fantasy drafts this year after the Dolphins brought in speedster Mike Wallace but with defenses keying on Mike, Brian proved to be a good enough receiver to handle the load. He finished the week with 15 targets catching 9. He is a must own in all PPR formats and larger standard leagues.
4. Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills – I was a big believer in Fred Jackson this year. He may be considered old but he doesn’t have a lot of wear on them tires. He is still a very capable running back and will get plenty of touches in the Bills offense. CJ owners need not worry, there will be plenty to share. Jackson totaled 108 yards on 17 touches.
TAKE A CHANCE
5. Terrell Pryor, QB, Oakland Raiders – The guy can and will run this season. It’s what he does best but I was also impressed with his overall numbers. He may not win over many NFL GMs but in fantasy all that matters is points. And I honestly believe he will finish the year as a top 20 QB if he plays 16.
6. Willis McGahee, RB, New York Giants – It’s not close to being finalized but if I were taking a chance on a RB not named Fred Jackson or Joique Bell, it would be McGahee. He’s in New York getting a look and would easily take over as backup to David Wilson if signed. And then if Wilson has another terrible game of hot potato, Willis will slide into the starting role with ease. It also helps that McGahee is an excellent pass protector.
7. Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots – I heard somewhere that they thought Julian Edelman took over the role of the Patriots TEs. And that could be the case, as New England only targeted TEs three times all day. And sheik sleeper pick, Zach Sudfeld, fell flat with just one target and no receptions. Edelman finished the game with 7 receptions for 79 yards and 2 TDs.
8. EJ Manuel, QB, Buffalo Bills – The Bills were so close to beating the Patriots the rookie quarterback could taste it! He played an excellent game and I believe in two QB leagues, you could do a lot worse.
PLAYING WITH FIRE
9. Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles – Last season, Celek started off hot with Vick and I had a feeling like that could continue in 2013. While he didn’t get the amount of targets I would like, three, he did finish with two receptions for 56 yards and a score.
10. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – Well would you look at that. The Steelers are resigning the guy they just cut because of his weight and lack of motivation. Dwyer would have been higher if it weren’t for the fact that the Steelers just lost their Center Pouncey for the season.
11. Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks – He had a team high 8 targets from a quarterback that throws extremely accurate. You gotta like his target total, just don’t expect that many every week. Could be a good play in PPR leagues but I would want to see it again.
12. Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons – If Roddy While continues to be limited, Harry Douglas has a chance to be a regular for the Falcons offense.
13. Darell Scott, RB, New York Giants – He performed pretty well after David Wilson was benched for putting the ball on the ground two times and possibly could be next in line. I would wait to see if the Giants sign a veteran before making the claim.
Also be sure to check out my recap of week one activity in The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.
