Picking up these players each week is like shopping in a thrift store. The items are cheap, sometimes old and rusty, but still usable, sometimes new and unused but end up proving not to be of much use. The key is finding the items that not only look the best, but that will serve your needs and be something you will continue to use after the purchase. Let’s try to find the most worthy items this week. The following players are ranked in order.
*Check out last week’s edition here https://fantasysavvy.com/2011/10/19/best-waiver-adds-week-7-edition/
Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints
Most of the pickups this week are back up running backs. With that said, Pierre Thomas is the most valuable of all of them. He could be rostered in most leagues, but with Ingram’s heel injury he will most likely be snatched up this week. Ingram’s injury doesn’t sound serious, but if something does happen to Ingram or Sproles, Thomas would become extremely valuable. If you have running back problems or own Sproles or Ingram, make sure to pick up Thomas if you can.
Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Hines Ward has had a great career, but he is slowly starting to break down more and more. He suffered an ankle injury in Week 7 and his status for week 8 against New England is in question. Both Brown and Sanders are the future replacements and this is a week to snatch these two up. I would go with Brown first then Sanders, but both could have nice games in what could be a shootout against the Patriots. They also both hold value for the rest of the year as Big Ben continues to heat up as the year goes on. Brown had 7 catches for 104 yards last week and Sanders had 5 catches for 46 yards and a TD. If you need wideout help, pick both of these guys up starting with Brown.
Jabar Gaffney, WR, Washington Redskins
With Santana Moss on the shelf for 5-7 weeks, Gaffney will step in as the #1 WR in Washington. Gaffney should get a lot of looks, but the problem is he really isn’t a true #1. Same time, he’s definitely worth a pickup and should produce for your team somewhat. The biggest thing is Moss is out for a good while, so Gaffney will be useful. Expect a lot of 5 catch 60 yard games with 1 or 2 TD’s while Moss is out, anything else is a bonus.
Taiwan Jones, RB, Oakland Raiders, Phillip Tanner, RB, Dallas Cowboys
From a talent standpoint, but of these guys have it. They both hit the hole well and run hard. McFadden as you know gets hurt each year and is hurt once again with a foot injury. The Raiders have a bye week this week and Mcfadden will have time to rest, but at the same time Jones is worth owning because of his talent. As far as Tanner, Tashard Choice really isn’t the same back and is hurt as well, so Tanner will most likely take on a role while Felix Jones continues to be out. DeMarco Murray also isn’t the most durable back, so there is a likely chance Tanner could end up having a more important role as the season goes on. It’s worth a shot to add both of these guys based on their upside.
Evan Moore, TE, Cleveland Browns
Moore showed off his talents in the pre-season, but has done little in the regular season. With fellow TE Ben Watson injured with a concussion, Moore will get a chance to contribute. You never know with Concussions, so who knows how long Watson will be out. Pick up Moore as he is talented and hope that he finds that he rapport back with McCoy.
Kregg Lumpkin, RB, Tampa Bay Bucanneers
Lumpy!!! as we call him in one my leagues, is going to end up having a role on this Bucs team with Earnest Graham hitting the IR today. He isn’t as talented as Tanner or Jones, but is the direct #2 behind LeGarrette Blount who is struggling wtih an injury himself. Tampa Bay has a bye week this week, but if Blount isn’t ready to go, Lumpkin will be the guy. Lumpkin doesn’t have much promise, but is worth an add if you are a Blount owner or need RB help now that Graham is out for the year.
Alfonso Smith, Larod Stephens-Howling, RB, Chester Taylor Arizona Cardinals
Beanie Wells escaped serious injury, but it appears he will be at out least 1-2 weeks with a knee injury. I personally like Howling as a better pickup, because he is just much more explosive and has more upside. Smith will be the goal line back however and could end up getting more touches overall. Chester Taylor is also in the mix, but it’s unclear how much of a role he will have, it appears Smith and Howling will get the most looks as they did in Week 7. Go with Howling first then Smith then Taylor. Beanie Wells is another back who is often injured so it’s worth stashing these backups.
Michael Jenkins, WR, Minnesota Vikings
The rookie Christian Ponder targeted Jenkins often and even hooked up with him for a score in Week 7. That said Jenkins is what he is, not overly talented and highly inconsistent. If you are in dire need of WR help, Jenkins is worth an add, but don’t expect much.
Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Minnesota Vikings, Daniel Fells, TE, Denver Broncos
Shiancoe has always been talented, but has struggled with injuries the past two years. He’s been healthy this year, but Donovan Mcnabb was just so brutal constantly throwing balls into the dirt. Like fellow teammate Michael Jenkins, Shiancoe saw 8 targets and also scored. Rookie QB’s like to rely on the TE and Shiancoe could end up having some nice performances to finish the fantasy season.
Fells had a great catch which set up the tying score against Miami and similar to Shiancoe, Fells is playing with an inexperienced QB who could rely on a big target. Fells doesn’t have much speed, but has good hands and can get some separation.
Fantasy Savvy 