Monthly Archives: November 2016

Week 13 Waiver Wire

Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups

By Michael Visconti November 29th, 2016

So you’re saying there’s a chance! Week 13 is pretty much the last week of the regular season for most head to head formats. Many of you are vying for a playoff spot, and some of you are looking for a player on the wire that can slide into your flex spot to help you get the win. Here is a list of the possible pickups that can be started in 12 team+ leagues this week.

Also please look at our “watch list”. These are players to stash for the playoffs should you have the bench spot. Although the reality is that if you have that type of bench spot available you probably aren’t going to make the playoffs anyway.

Week 13 byes:

Tennessee
Cleveland

Quarterbacks

At this stage of the year rather than suggesting a rest of the way Quarterback pickup we will be offering our best streamers in order of our weekly standard rankings. Here are the stream options for Week 13:

Ryan Tannehill MIA @ BAL
Colin Kaepernick SF @ CHI
Eli Manning NYG @ PIT

Running Backs

Kenneth Dixon BAL – Ken did not carry a very large volume on Sunday carrying the ball 13 times for 49 yards but he has been ramping up in this offense and we will see if the trend continues over the next few weeks.
Jalen Richard OAK – Jalen is another player that is more of a stash but I felt compelled to give you another name this week. Hopefully you are not a DeMarco Murray and Isaiah Crowell owner that is stuck this week looking for a starter because it is slim pickings. Still Richard has established himself as the true backup to the oft injured Latavius Murray.
Watch List – Christine Michael GB, Kenjon Barner PHI, Rex Burkhead CIN, DeAngelo Williams PIT, Alex Collins SEA, Shaun Draughn SF

Wide Receiver

Taylor Gabriel ATL – This guy has a nose for the end zone and is getting some looks from Matt Ryan. He is not getting a ton of volume (5 targets) but he is making the most of his chances.

Tyreek Hill KC – This guy would be a stud #2 WR on just about any other NFL team but he plays for the Chiefs and Alex Smith has small hands. This guy is a true play maker and hopefully Alex continues to look his way. He’s a great add and flex play in PPR leagues as he caught 9 of his 10 targets Sunday night.

Ted Ginn Jr. CAR – Ted has 35 targets over the last 5 weeks and has suddenly broken back into fantasy relevance as he is always a threat to break a long one. Last week he has 10 targets and caught 4 of them for 110 yards and a TD. His a good add in leagues that give points for long TDs because he is sure to have another long one over the next couple of weeks.

Malcolm Mitchell NE – With Gronk out and Bennett hobbled Mitchell found himself as a big redzone threat. He had 7 targets which he converted 5 of those and 2 into TD’s. It is tough to rely on him in this offense, but you can do worse if you are desperate for a flex play this week against the Rams at home.

Marquess Wilson CHI – Jay Cutler’s status for week 13 is unclear and I would prefer Matt Barley this week if I was to rely on Wilson for a big game against the 49ers. Offensive Coordinators know that their QB’s develop rapport and timing with the guys that they work most often with during the week. Time and time again we see the backup QB step in and his favorite target is the #3 or #4 WR. If Cutler is out I love Wilson against the 49ers this week.

Watch List – Dontrelle Inman SD, Adam Thielen MIN,

Tight End

Ladarius Green PIT – Green’s targets have been ramping up week over week. He is not at a full workload yet but HC Tomlin said that he is going to start feeding him more in the games. I’d love to see it.

Vernon Davis WAS – VD still has some gas left in the tank. If Reed is out this Sunday Vernon will be an excellent play at Arizona this week. VD has had some nice games there in years past.

Watch List – Josh Hill NO

Week 12 Waiver Wire – updated

Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

By Michael Visconti November 23rd, 2016

We are entering one of the greatest times of the year. Thanksgiving week with the tradition of football, family and food. Of course we are also entering week 12 and it is time to get ready for the playoffs. Some of you are like me and need to backfill their AJ Green or CJ Prosise roster spots. No sweat we are here to help. This is a big action waiver wire week, so get after it and restock for the playoffs.

Week 13 byes:

Tennessee
Cleveland

Quarterbacks

At this stage of the year rather than suggesting a rest of the way Quarterback pickup we will be offering our best streamers in order of our weekly standard rankings. Here are the stream options for Week 12:

#11 Eli Manning NYG @ CLE
#13 Colin Kaepernick SF @ MIA
#15 Blake Bortles JAX @ BUF
#19 Scott Tolzein IND vs PIT
#21 Ryan Tannehill MIA vs SF

Running Backs

Wendell Smallwood PHI – I added him to this list last week and sure enough Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews both go down with an injury. Both could play Monday night but Smallwood will likely get an increase in workload while both are ailing.

Thomas Rawls SEA – Well Thomas is now the man and looks primed to pick up where he left off last year. He is more than likely not available in your league, but if he is you need to grab him now. The interesting thing is that how can we be sure that he is full strength and that he won’t experience any setbacks? In that case Alex Collins might be the add for this week.

Alex Collins SEA – Please read above.

Mike Gillislee BUF – McCoy underwent surgery Sunday night on his thumb and is questionable for this Sunday. Even if he suits up Mike G has a very favorable matchup against the Jaguars and could be a nice spot start, even as an RBBC this Sunday.

Watch List – Christine Michael GB, Kenjon Barner PHI, Rex Burkhead CIN, Jalen Richard OAK, Dwayne Washington DET, Jeremy Langford CHI

Wide Receivers

Steve Smith Sr. BAL – Why not take part in the farewell tour. The Senior is playing like a man possessed. Well he always did, but now he knows the end is near. He’s healthy, he’s pissed (naturally), and he’s ready to be on plenty of fantasy playoff teams as a WR3.

Eli Rogers PIT – Sammie Coates is basically off the radar now despite not missing times with two broken fingers, but it has cleared a path for Eli Rogers to be the clear-cut #2 WR in Pittsburgh.

Tyler Boyd CIN – I was all over AJ Green this year and that was an extremely painful injury. Boyd will get a bunch of the volume that is now void. Do not expect Boyd to be open half as often as Green, but still he will get a big increase in targets from here on out. I like Tyler better than Brandon LaFell, but his workload should increase also.

Devante Parker MIA – As discussed last week Devante Parker is starting to look pretty good. He was picked up in most leagues last week, but if available he is a great fill in for AJ Green.

Cameron Meredith CHI – This guy could have been a top 15 WR had Hoyer stayed healthy. When Cutler came back it was like he didn’t even know who Meredith was. Now with Alshon Jeffery out for 4 weeks with a PED suspension maybe Cameron will introduce himself to Jay. Jay meet Cameron, Cameron meet Jay. Jay, he is the best WR on your sweet football team.

Tajae Sharpe TEN – The Week 1-3 darling has finally shown back up. It has to be because of Rishard Matthews excellent play, it seemed to have taken some of the pressure off of Tajae. Sharpe caught 4 of 7 targets for 68 yards and a TD.

Watch List – Brandon Lafell CIN, Tyler Lockett SEA, Braxton Miller HOU, Taylor Gabriel ATL

Tight Ends

Jared Cook GB – Peter King called him the most athletic player he had ever seen in the preseason of 2014. Fast forward 3 underachieving years and it brings us here, where he is healthy in a high powered offense with surprisingly terrible receiving options. Cook had a game ending fumble which wasn’t great, but he led all tight ends with 11 targets.

Gary Barnidge CLE – Gary did not have the best game but it is clear that he has a much better connection with Josh McCown then he did with Cody Kessler. Look for Barnyard animal to have a decent game this Sunday against the Giants.

Watch List – Will Tye NYG, Vance McDonald SF

Week 11 Waiver Wire

Week 11 Waiver Wire Pickups

By Michael Visconti November 15th, 2016

What a week! There were a ton of big scores this week with running backs leading the way. There were 6 RB’s that had multiple TDs this week while 11 of them had 19 carries or more. What is this 2002?

We are now entering in to the final regular season week in many of the high-stakes format leagues, and with the final big week of byes it is imperative to sharpen up our roster before heading into the playoffs. Here are the Week 11 byes:

Atlanta
Denver
San Diego
New York Jets

Week 13 byes:

Tennessee
Cleveland

Quarterbacks

At this stage of the year rather than suggesting a rest of the way Quarterback pickup we will be offering our best streamers in order of our weekly standard rankings. Here are the stream options for Week 11:

Marcus Mariota TEN @ IND
Kirk Cousins WAS vs. GB
Eli Manning NYG vs. CHI
Matthew Stafford DET vs JAX

Running Backs

Rob Kelley WAS – Well as I discussed on my podcast before the season started fumbles finally did Matt Jones in. Jay Gruden claims he is not totally on the outs, but we know what that means, it means this is UDFA Kelley’s job now, if he is still available in your league pick him up.

James White NE – I have found James on the waiver wire in a couple of 12 team leagues. Clearly Dion Lewis’ comeback plus the play of LaGarette Blount have resulted in his drop, I guess? They play the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday which is an obvious lopsided match as the Patriots enter the game coming off a home loss. Ya’ll better get out the way!

Wendell Smallwood PHI – Oh him again. I would not go and invest too much into his success, but this is simply an addition in case Ryan Mathews goes down or again falls out of favor with the coaching staff. Still Smallwood ran well when giving the opportunity. He carried the ball 13 times for 70 yards for a 5.4 YPC.

Kenneth Dixon BAL – Terrance West led the backfield with 21 carries to Dixon’s 6, but it’s what they did with them. Kenneth had a 6.3 YPC while Terrance West carried a 3.1 YPC. Dixon also hauled in 4 receptions on 7 targets for 42 yards to West’s 1 catch on 2 targets for 12 yards. Dixon is much more versatile and explosive and will be the RB to own in this backfield down the stretch.

CJ Prosise SEA – CJ is the man. If he is available in any of your leagues pick him up now. He is a difference maker especially in PPR formats. With Thomas Rawls possible come back this week it is possible that he has some value as a bench stash. Christine Michael is clearly out of favor and looks to be out of gas too.

Watch List – Jalen Richard OAK, Dwayne Washington DET, Jeremy Langford CHI

Wide Receiver

Rishard Mathews TEN – Another game another TD. That makes 6 in 6 games. I would caution that he is not getting a lot of targets but when he continues to find the end zone week in week out, who cares?

Eli Rogers PIT – Sammie Coates is apparently not going to miss time with two broken fingers, but it has cleared a path for Eli Rogers to be the clear-cut #2 WR in Pittsburgh. Eli is a must own in all formats.

Tyreek Hill KC – 13 targets! Wow! He caught 10 of them for 89 yards too. If Maclin comes back this week look for these targets to go way down, but if he does not play expect Tyreek to get a heavy workload.

Devante Parker MIA – Right about this time last year is when Parker began turning it up in his rookie campaign that gave him a ton of preseason hype. People grew frustrated and eventually dropped him in a ton of leagues. Staying consistent with the timing Parker catches 5 of 8 targets for 103 yards. Here is to him stringing together a bunch of good games late in the season, again.

Cameron Meredith CHI – This guy could have been a top 15 WR had Hoyer stayed healthy. When Cutler came back it was like he didn’t even know who Meredith was. Now with Alshon Jeffery out for 4 weeks with a PED suspension maybe Cameron will introduce himself to Jay. Jay meet Cameron, Cameron meet Jay. Jay, he is the best WR on your sweet football team.

Michael Floyd ARI – Everything I said about Devante Parker pretty much applies here. After being demoted publicly it seemed to have lit a spark under Floyd. He played well on Sunday doing what we thought he would do in the preseason going up and grabbing balls out of the sky using his big body to haul in the deep ball. Floyd ended up catching 5 of 6 targets for 101 yards.

Watch List – Tyler Lockett SEA, Brian Quick STL, Dontrelle Inman SD, Taylor Gabriel ATL

Tight End

LaDarius Green PIT – had only 3 catches for 30 yards but the storyline is he is back in the league. His return was not guaranteed, but it looks like he is back and he landed in a perfect situation for a tight end. He is an excellent bet to score in the top 5 at the tight end position from now until the end of the season. Excellent add.

Cameron Brate TB – Some of you were smart enough to pick him up last week. He’s still available in a ton of leagues and proves to be a target monster in this offense. Brate caught all 7 of his targets for 84 yards and a TD.

Watch List – Will Tye NYG, Vance McDonald SF, Richard Rodgers GB

*Updated QB Streamers – Week 10 Waiver Wire

Week 10 Waiver Wire Pickups

By Michael Visconti November 8th, 2016

Not a very big week of waiver wire pickup names, and on the flipside there was not any major injuries either. The biggest bye weeks are behind us and while we still have 4 byes this week and next we are almost through the dog days of fantasy football.

It is time to start shaping up your roster for the playoffs and prepare for the championship weeks. Take a look ahead and load up the type of stream defenses, kickers and QB’s that might carry some value during Weeks 14-16. I also like to hold onto the proper handcuffs needed.

Week 10 byes

Buffalo
Detroit
Indianapolis
Oakland

Week 11 byes

Atlanta
Denver
San Diego
New York Jets

Then we finish with 2 odd week byes in Week 13:

Tennessee
Cleveland

Quarterbacks

At this stage of the year rather than suggesting a rest of the way Quarterback pickup we will be offering our best streamers in order of our weekly standard rankings. Here are the stream options for Week 10:

#8 Eli Manning NYG vs. CIN
#10 Joe Flacco BAL vs. CLE
#11 Jay Cutler CHI @ TB

Running Backs

Tim Hightower NO – Hightower out carried Mark Ingram 23 to 15, but Mark did exactly what he needed to do against the 49ers to earn himself the starting job back. Tim Hightower looked pretty good too though.

Sean Payton will surely work both RBs in over the course of the next 7 weeks, but Tim should be viewed as a handcuff to Ingram.

Chris Ivory JAX – Certainly Ivory was dropped in a couple of 12 team leagues. He played really well gaining 107 yards on 18 carries in Kansas City which is a very difficult place to play. He ran hard, determined and focused, He was actually fun to watch. I still cannot believe that Jacksonville is this bad of an offense. I like them to be competitive and put some points on the board down the stretch.

Paul Perkins NYG – Oh then there is the run game in New York, ugly. Paul matched starting running back Rashad Jennings carry total of 11 and his receiving target of 3. Both RB’s averaged less than 3 yards per carry but it is important to note that Paul is being worked in to this offense and I am sure his volume will grow over the next several weeks.

Dujuan Harris SF – While everybody spent their FAAB on Charcandrick West, Tim Hightower, CJ Prosise and Paul Perkins last week it was Dujuan Harris that brought the firs! Well if you take away his long reception for a TD his numbers do not look that great. Still he had 559 yards on 10 carries. Not that bad. Hyde is not guaranteed to be back this week from shoulder injury which would make Harris an RB2 at Arizona.

Payton Barber TB – So this is what it has come to. Jaquizz Rodgers is out while Doug Martin is a ways away from coming back and it is unlikely we see Charles Sims in the next few weeks despite recent progress. Barber is simply the next man up and can be started if you are in a bye week pinch or you need an RB3.

Watch List – Jalen Richard OAK, Dwayne Washington DET, Kenneth Dixon BAL

Wide Receiver

Rishard Mathews TEN – Rishard has 5 TDs over the last 5 weeks which of course has him due for a 3-4 week slump, but still looks to have a connection with Mariota as of late. He caught 6 of his 10 targets for 63 yards and 2 TDs.

Eli Rogers PIT – It has been difficult to understand who the #2 WR is for Pittsburgh. Sammie Coates one week and Eli the next. Eli just looked better on the field this week hauling in 6 of his 10 targets for 103 yards and a TD while Coates had some bad routes and had a couple of inexcusable drops.

Quinton Patton SF – Quinton’s targets have increased since Kaepernick has taken over at QB while Jeremy Kerley’s targets have taken a slight dip. He is a deep-league only consideration in PPR formats.
Marquise Lee JAX – Marquise had 84 yards on 8 targets while Allen Hurns had zero catches partially due to suffering a concussion, but also due to his inept play this season. Lee is a decent option this week in Houston.

Corey Coleman CLE – Coleman is back on the rise after returning from injury getting 7 targets. He will get the volume as the clear #2 wide receiver for a team that will surely be down in most if not all of the remaining minutes for 2016. Nobody said fantasy is pretty.

Watch List – Steve Smith CAR, Brian Quick STL, Dontrelle Inman SD, Cordarrelle Patterson MIN

Tight End

Austin Hooper ATL – Although he is the 3-4 option in the Atlanta pass game that is better than most of the other tight end scenarios available. He is a decent plug in over the next 3 bye weeks.

Lance Kendricks STL – Is this the Lance Kendricks that has been in the league since 1993? It seems that long. The volume is hard to deny. Lance hauled in 7 of 12 targets for 90 yards.

Watch List – Will Tye NYG, Vance McDonald SF, Richard Rodgers GB