The final preseason games are over. Most drafts are over. Final roster cuts are being made. More injuries have occurred. This seems like a good time to get our first look at the best waiver wire pick-ups of the preseason.
Every position and every team has had some interesting twists and turns over the preseason’s four games. So let’s go around the league and take a look at each team’s standouts and potential waiver fodder, plus Watch-list candidates.
–AFC South–
Houston Texans:
With the Texans running back woes this summer, many are wondering how Derrick Ward's recent signing will impact things. It won't (barring a major injury). Foster will carry the load, with Steve Slaton backing him. Ward was only signed for depth until Jeremiah Johnson can get healthy. The stand-out waiver grab here is at WR, with Jacoby Jones out-performing Kevin Walter. This is his year to break out, and he's still less than 50% owned. Also notable: former Cardinals kicker, Neil Rackers beat out Kris Brown and should have a very solid fantasy season.
Indianapolis Colts:
The answer to everyone's question at WR has been answered; Austin Collie takes the WR3 slot, with Anthony Gonzalez at #4. Still, both should see plenty of action in that high-powered offense. Other than that there is no real news to report. For IDP players, keep an eye on rookie LB Pat Angerer who had a beast of a preseason with 36 total tackles and 2 sacks. Right now he's stuck behind Gary Brackett at MLB, but Brackett has an injured hand, and if Angerer gets a chance, he could be this year's David Hawthorne.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
RB: If you have Maurice Jones-Drew you definitely want to handcuff him to Rashad Jennings this season, but even if you don't have him, he's worth a bench spot. He looked great in preseason as a rusher and receiver, and with MJD's injury concerns, he's good to have.
WR: I called Mike Thomas a sleeper and a Steve Smith (CAR) type spark plug in the Jaguars receiving game, and his preseason performance is in line with my expectations. He's the team's WR2, and with opposing teams focusing on Mike Sims-Walker, Thomas could explode. Right now he's less than 2% owned.
Tennessee Titans:
RB: Javon Ringer is not merely an obvious handcuff to Chris Johnson, he should see quite a few touches this year to take pressure off CJ. He had a great preseason leading the team in rushing, and racking up a 6.6 YPC rate.
WR: While Kenny Britt is a step away from being benched, the team's WR1, Nate Washington is barely 2% owned. He's a good late round grab or waiver pick for deeper leagues.
TE: Many thought Jared Cook would break out in 2009, but all signs point to a 2010 celebration instead. He led all Titans receivers this preseason in limited action:
| Receiving Statistics | |||||
| Player | Rec | Yds | Yds/Rec | Long | TD |
| Jared Cook | 8 | 132 | 16.5 | 35 | 1 |
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