Even in large leagues, there is usually 1-2 guys at each position who wound up flying under the radar in all drafts. I'm not saying that these guys will put up fantasy numbers that mirror guys like Tom Brady or Larry Fitzgerald. But in the right matchup, these guys could easily help you out if you are in a bind for Week One. And don't be surprised to see most of these guys appear on waiver wire articles for Week Two.
Redskins QB Rex Grossman (7% Owned Average)
I may hate the Redskins, but no one can argue just how good Grossman looked at the tail end of last year. Mike Shanahan made the wise choice in not only re-signing Grossman, but naming him the starter over John Beck. Grossman faces a Giants Defense that got absolutely destroyed by injuries in the preseason. He will make mistakes and throw interceptions, but he could easily throw for 250 yards and a score or two. If Grossman puts up big stats, he won't last long on the wire next week.
Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (32% Owned Average)
No I'm not throwing Hasselbeck's name out because I took him in the KFFL Experts League. His matchup against the Jags is one of the better ones going into the weekend. He won't be an every-week starter because he isn't the Hasselbeck of old, but no one can argue with you if you had to start him this weekend. He is easily a bonafide QB2 going forward.
Colts RB Delone Carter (20% Owned Average)
With the news that QB Peyton Manning will miss this week and possibly more, the Colts will try their best to keep Kerry Collins as comfortable as possible, meaning they will try and run it more than they have in years. The bad news is that Collins clearly lost it after last year. The good news is that with the offense concentrating more on a running game, Joseph Addai will need help. I had Carter pegged as a sleeper earlier this offseason. Now that he is officially Addai's backup, that prediction is looking good. Carter's role is unknown right now, but his ability to push the pile could make him a touchdown vulture.
Jaguars RB Deji Karim (14% Owned Average)
With the off chance that starter Maurice Jones-Drew misses time with an injury, Karim becomes a very strong option in a run-oriented offense. I wouldn't even be surprised to see Karim get a decent amount of touches in order to keep MJD fresh as soon as this week. Karim is a must-have handcuff, but his value could blow up if MJD goes down.
Raiders WR Jacoby Ford (54% Owned Average)
54% might seem high, but not for a starting receiver and a quality punt returner. Hue Jackson laid it out there when he said that he expects Ford to get between 75-80 passes this season. And lets face it; after Zach Miller left for Seattle, Ford is the most talented receiving option in the offense right now. His upside is off the charts.
Saints WR Robert Meachem (42% Owned Average)
I realize that trying to figure out which receiver in the Saints offense will put up quality fantasy stats is a gamble almost every week, but Meachem shouldn't be anywhere near your waiver wire for this week. Lance Moore is out with a groin injury against the Packers, a game that could be a shoot out. Now healthy, Meachem could be the deep threat the team needs. Pick him up and use him if you need flex help.
Titans TE Jared Cook (51% Owned Average)
Cook is a bit of an unknown since he has had to share the spotlight with Bo Scaife. But now that he is the starter, I expect big things from Cook this year. He has been lining up at wideout in certain packages and could lead the team in targets this year. With Kenny Britt the only other true option in this offense, Cook could have a breakout season. At the very least, he is a TE2 for now.
Rams TE Lance Kendricks (25% Owned Average)
Kendricks found instant chemistry with Sam Bradford and becomes a very strong pass-catching option outside of Danny Amendola. I really like Kendricks' sleeper value this week against an Eagles Defense that has had trouble containing tight ends in the past. Kendricks could start if you are that desperate for a fantasy tight end. He is a TE2, like Cook, but with a high ceiling.
Other Notables that might still be worth a grab off the Waiver Wire:
Raiders QB Jason Campbell, Colts QB Kerry Collins, Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers, Redskins RB Roy Helu, Patriots RB Stevan Ridley, Browns WR Greg Little, Lions WR Nate Burleson, Rams WR Brandon Gibson, Raiders WR Denarius Moore, Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers WR Antonio Brown, Buccaneers WR Arrelious Benn, Browns TE Evan Moore, Redskins TE Fred Davis, Broncos TE Julius Thomas
Very deep Waiver-Wire option:
Free agent QB David Garrard
After being a surprise cut earlier in the week, Garrard has been rumored to have some interest from a couple teams. The 49ers have been linked to the former Jag, along with the Seahawks, even though Pete Carroll declined the chance to even look his way. If Garrard can land on a team with some solid skill players already in place, he could be a guy to look at in larger leagues if you are really in a bind and can sit on him for awhile.