TSN: Waiver Wire Wonders Week 2

wide right · Sep 11, 2007

Derrick Ward, RB, Giants. It's only Week 1, and we have our first significant starting running back injury. Few knew of Ward's existence before Sunday night, and those expecting former 1,000-yard rusher Reuben Droughns to get the majority of touches with Brandon Jacobs out (he's expected to miss 3-5 weeks with a sprained knee) got a big surprise. Ward made a strong case to be feature in Jacobs' absence, turning his 17 touches (Droughns had only one carry) into an impressive 116 total yards and a touchdown.

Granted, much of Ward's production came when New York was trailing big and Dallas was playing the pass, but he did show some good moves and some nice bursts. At this point, if you're in a pretty deep league and have Jacobs, you should be relieved because Ward should be readily available.

Regardless of who's at quarterback for the Giants (Eli Manning left Sunday night's game in the fourth quarter with a bruised shoulder), Ward should get 15-20 touches per game, and that's enough for you Jacobs owners to start him until the big guy returns. With upcoming games against the Packers, Redskins, Eagles, Jets and Falcons, you should at least get some decent combined yardage.

Earnest Graham, RB, Buccaneers. Cadillac Williams may be in the shop again, this time with a dented grill -- or in human terms, bruised ribs. Again, during your draft, it seemed like Michael Pittman would be to Tampa Bay as Droughns would have been to New York. Now, Pittman, like Droughns, is in a fullback-hybrid role. The importance of being Williams' backup in the running game may fall on Graham. Again, in a deep league where nearly every back with a pulse is on a roster, Graham is a worthy addition. At the least, he's the Geico for your Caddy.

Ronald Curry, WR, Raiders. I've always seen Curry as another big Anquan Boldin type -- the only problem is, the former North Carolina quarterback has never been able to stay healthy. Last December, when he was at full strength, Curry enjoyed 8-for-99, 9-for-87 and 11-for-106 days. He continued that momentum Sunday with 10 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown against the Lions. So much for Jerry Porter being the No. 1 in Oakland. Curry is the Raiders' best receiver, and can be a physical mismatch for any defense. If he happens to be available in your league, don't hesitate to plug him right into your lineup as a No. 3 receiver.

Shaun McDonald, WR, Lions. OK, I know what you're saying. Isn't McDonald a No. 4 receiver, and didn't I just say not to pay attention to those? Well, the Lions' pass-happy offense is an exception. Detroit will have trouble running the ball all season, and that will prompt coach Mike Martz to keep on chucking with Jon Kitna. McDonald, like fellow former Ram Mike Furrey, is one of Martz's favorite cogs. Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson will get the big numbers, of course, but McDonald, with more big-play flair than Furrey, can be a good No. 3 to have in your rotation.

Eric Johnson, TE, Saints. Not to be confused with the star of the Sci-Fi Channel's Flash Gordon, Johnson can come to the rescue for those of you starving at tight end. You don't need to have gone to Yale like Johnson to know that the Ming of New Orleans' offense is finding a No. 2 intermediate receiver after Marques Colston who's not named Reggie Bush. Johnson led the team in receiving yards against the Colts in Week 1, and should continue to get looks in key situations. Again, like Curry, Johnson has always had the athleticism to stand out -- now he also needs to swat the injury bug.

Mason Crosby, K, Packers. So much for his success at Boulder being attributed to the high altitude. Closer to sea level on the tundra of Lambeau Field, the rookie from Colorado wasted no time in booting a 53-yarder and then later the 42-yard game-winner against Philadelphia. The Packers look like they might have some trouble producing in the red zone, which would increase Crosby's three-point opportunities. If you're ho-hum about your kicker, give Mason a shot.

Colts defense/special teams. What a difference a Bob Sanders makes. We were waiting to see the 2005 form of this defense come through again, and it delivered against one of last season's best offenses. I think the Colts will do their best work at home in the dome, but you still want to start them while they're hot and productive. You want them in your lineup for the next four weeks with Tennessee, Houston, Denver and Tampa Bay on the slate.

Vikings defense/special teams. This unit just likes to go nuts once in a while, doesn't it? Minnesota came up with a pair of defensive scores against the lowly Falcons, and it can keep up the big-play madness with turnover-prone Detroit, questionable Kansas City and struggling Green Bay, all before its Week 5 bye.
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Source: Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News

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TSN: Waiver Wire Wonders Week 2

wide right Grumpy Old Man

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TSN: Waiver Wire Wonders Week 2

wide right Grumpy Old Man

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