Mike Valenti's Waiver Wire Wizard: Quarter Pole
By Mike Valenti
QB
OBVIOUS: Kirk Cousins—He could be a sleeper and finish in Top 10; Washington has to throw the ball and has weapons.
SLEEPER: Blake Bortles—Before you hit the "red X," read on: Yes, the Jags are horrendous, but Bortles immediately made their offense look better and for whatever reason I like their weapons out wide, especially the rookies.
RB
OBVIOUS: Terrence West—He's likely already gone in deeper leagues, but in case you play in a 10 man league, here you go.
SLEEPERS: Alfred Blue—Foster is about 70 years old and now has a lingering hamstring issue costing him games; No timeshare last week when Blue filled in.
Bishop Sankey— It's a long-term play here as I refuse to accept Shonn Greene as a starter in this league all season; Sankey will not see a bulk of carries until he learns to pass protect, but he's a decent stash.
Lorenzo Tallaferro—Bernard Pierce stinks, Forsett is a change-of-pace guy with limitations, so that leaves Tallaferro as the only option. He racked up 91 yards on limited carries last week and has the measurable to justify a claim.
Donald Brown—I'm not a fan of his, but at this point it's "last man standing in San Diego." Matthews is hurt; Woodhead is done for the season. Jimmy Powers might be next in line. It's Brown or pulling fans out of the stands.
Jerick McKinnon—Here's the deepest of sleepers, but by years' end he's Vikes starter. Gator could beat Asiata in a race and there's simply nobody else of note on depth chart. McKinnon has great physical tools, but a bad team, so opportunity knocks. Stash him.
WR
OBVIOUS: James Jones—Oakland is awful, cannot run, always behind….fantasy gold; Jones is the only WR worth a look.
SLEEPER
Jordan Matthews — I loved him at Vandy, great offense in need of another playmaker out wide and Matthews is the guy; Nice stash.
Andrew Hawkins — someone needs to catch passes in Cleveland and Josh Gordon isn't back for seven more weeks; Again, low end, but surprisingly useful in bye weeks.
Allen Robinson—Much like Niles Paul, Robinson has a connection with his QB. This big- bodied rookie has opportunity and targets on an atrocious team that's always behind.
TE
OBVIOUS: Travis Kelce and Niles Paul. Both have excellent physical tools and opportunity. For Kelce it's a matter of gaining Andy Reid's trust and with the season sinking there is little choice. For Paul it's a connection with his QB Kirk Cousins. All those 2nd team reps are paying off; There's targets galore.
SLEEPER: Owen Daniels—I feel dirty even writing this, and by the time you see it Daniels might be hurt again, but this is where we are at: Pitta is done. Daniels is next up and has ability. Maybe it can last a few weeks before Daniels falls down the stairs or launches himself out of a cannon.
Larry Donnell—Giants are terrible, they have no weapons not named Cruz, and Eli has a fascination with lousy tight ends (see last decade) -- and Donnel is that guy. He's seeing targets and he's on a team that, despite last week's rushing performance, will need to pass.