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.
–NFC West–
Arizona Cardinals:
With the ousting of former first round QB Matt Leinart (who incidentally had the team's best QB rating during the preseason), the immediate belief is that Derek Anderson now has some waiver wire value. It's hard to say at this point given his team worst preseason QB rating, but he has the tools to shine in Arizona, but at best he's a bye week filler, and not someone you want clogging your bench. For IDP players, rookie LB Daryl Washington will start at inside linebacker. He's got crazy speed in pursuit and is probably the best defensive rookie in the NFC West. He won't be Rolando McClain, but he has LB3 potential.
San Francisco 49ers:
The waiver-wire name on offense is RB Anthony Dixon. He was a beast in preseason, and here's a shock, Brian Westbrook is injured as usual. Dixon is the handcuff to have, and if Frank Gore goes down, a potential fantasy gem. On the IDP side of the ball people are busy drafting rookie Taylor Mays, but veteran Michael Lewis retains his starting role at strong safety after restructuring his contract. Mays may be the future, but Lewis is 2010, and he's being seriously overlooked and undervalued.
Seattle Seahawks:
RB: Justin Forsett is 100% owned despite the fact that he's in an RBBC situation. Leon Washington has looked very solid this preseason and will split carries fairly evenly with Forsett, yet Washington is over 55% unowned.
WR: If you read my article on the Seahawks receiver situation, you know that T.J. Houshmanzadeh is out which makes Mike Williams the team's number one receiver, and Deon Butler slides in at the WR3 slot. Many fantasy GMs are grabbing rookie Golden Tate, but Williams and Butler are both solid waiver pick-ups at this point.
St. Louis Rams:
It's starting to seem more and more likely that rookie QB Sam Bradford will start the season, but outside of keeper leagues, he's still not worth more than a bye week filler.
WR: Laurent Robinson has risen in value since Donnie Avery's season ending injury, but he's still less than 45% owned. The receiver situation could be in flux early though, so watch-list Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson as either could step up and be a fantasy weapon.
TE: Whoever is at QB they're going to need a safety valve to throw to and this preseason rookie TE Michael Hoomanawanui has shown the team he is that guy. If you're looking for a tight end as a back-up, or if you simply missed out, he is a worthy waiver grab.
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Next up: NFC South
