The last thing fantasy football owners expected when they woke up this morning was the flurry of injuries that were sustained in Sunday’s collection of games, but it is these injuries that could provide some interesting waiver wire action over the next few days.
Let’s take a closer look at whose names are already popping up this Monday morning, and what you should be thinking about.
Jamaal Charles – RB – Possible Season Ending ACL Injury. Later this afternoon Charles is expected to get an MRI on what is believed to be a season ending ACL tear, suffered in Sunday’s unexpected blowout. If his injury is as serious as expected, the Chiefs could go to a more RBBC oriented offense, with RB Thomas Jones being the main focal point.
Thomas has lost a significant step over the years, but for those of you in 16 man or bigger leagues, finding a running back is probably very impossible, and Jones may be the only option on that wire worth grabbing if you are in the market.
Felix Jones – RB – Separated Shoulder: Yup, that’s right kids Jones suffered a separated shoulder yesterday (Sunday) and is at risk of missing at least next week’s contest against the Washington Redskins. If this is a bit unexpected, then this must be your first year dealing with the Cowboys’’ backfield, because injuries are as common as a 20 dollar bill in Jerry Jones’ wallet.
The idea here is the rookie running back DeMarco Murray could finally get his crack at “shouldering” the load, but keep in mind that the fragile Tashard Choice will also steal some touches if Jones isn’t good to go. More updates to come throughout the week.
Miles Austin – WR – Hamstring: After torching the 49ers for 143 yards and three touchdowns, the Cowboys learned that Austin re-injured his hamstring, and the initial report is that he could be out until Week 5, to allow the injury to fully heal.
This would push Dez Bryant into the limelight as the number one receiving target in Dallas, followed by Jason Witten, but Jesse Holley (the lone receiver who caught the game winning touchdown) looks as if he could be a nice week to week waiver grab if you are in search of a spot start fill. He doesn’t offer any long-term value at this point, but he could come in handy next week against the Redskins.
Aaron Hernandez – TE – Who Knows at This Point: Hernandez suffered a mild sprain and was listed as probable in Sunday’s game (despite never returning) after exploding for 62 yards on seven catches and a single score, but was reported as limping around the locker room “badly” after the game.
Cracking the Patriots injury situation is like picking a lock with no hands—ain’t gonna happen—but the news does initially increase Rob Gronkowski’s fantasy value who caught four balls for 86 yards and two scores, while also introducing some looks towards his brother and fellow TE Dan Gronkowski, if Hernandez isn’t a go next week versus the Bills…we’ll keep you posted.
Make sure to check back regularly throughout the day, evening and tomorrow as this report is expected to grown after tonight’s contest between the Rams and Giants, and after we learn the updated news surrounding the players mentioned above.
Greg Brosh's Week Three Waiver Wire Picks
QUARTERBACKS
Cam Newton - QB - Carolina: Looks like Newton's Week-One Performance wasn't a mirage. After decimating the Cardinals secondary, Newton went 28-of-46 passes for 432 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions while rushing 10 times for 53 yards and another score against the Packers in Week Two. Many owners were hesitant about picking Newton up last week, thinking that his rise wouldn't last. It looks like it isn't. If Newton is on your waiver wire, pick him up ASAP.
Andy Dalton - QB - Cincinnati: After throwing for a score in Week One, Dalton came up big with two more against the Broncos, while also completing 27-of-41 passes for 332 passing yards. The big number that stuck out was no interceptions. Dalton isn't exactly an enticing option in shallower leagues. But for 16-team leagues and up, he might be worth a look as a bye-week filler.
Mike Kafka - QB - Philadelphia: Michael Vick wound up suffering a concussion near the end of the Falcons game, which prompted Kafka to take over with Vince Young inactive due to a hamstring injury. Kafka completed 7-of-9 passing for 72 yards. Kafka could have been a perfect 9-for-9, but Jeremy Maclin couldn't haul one pass in and another was a hail mary. Vick was able to shower and take the plane back to Philly with his teammates, so it doesn't sound like anything serious. Still, Vick will have to pass his concussion tests in order to play Week Three. If he doesn't, it's a bit early to say whether Young will be ready in time. Kafka might be a low-end option, but he is more dynasty worthy than anything.
RUNNING BACKS
Willis McGahee - RB - Denver: Playing in place of an injured Knowshon Moreno (hamstring), McGahee rushed for 101 yards with a touchdown in the win against the Bengals. His yards-per-carry average really wasn't all that great with 3.6, but he made up for it with the score. There is no word yet on if Moreno is going to be able to play Week Three, but McGahee is still a must-have option as a possible flex player. His goal-line touches even with Moreno playing makes him somewhat intriguing.
Ben Tate - RB - Houston: Arian Foster's hamstring tightened up going into halftime against the Dolphins, paving the way for Tate's second-straight 100+ yard game. There are still leagues out there that have Tate on the wire. So since there is a chance Foster's hamstring could be a bother over the next several weeks, now might be a good time to pick him, or get him back if you dropped him last week. The Texans clearly think they can get by with Tate if Foster has to sit again. If Foster wants to cash in on a big payday, he's going to have to show the team that he isn't injury prone.
Daniel Thomas - RB - Miami: I'm not sure if Thomas' big day was because of his talents, or simply because the Texans game planned for Reggie Bush and weren't prepared. Either way, Thomas might finally be getting that fantasy value he lost in the preseason after rushing for 107 yards. It's not time to panic on Bush just yet, but we could be seeing a changing of the guard. At the very least, Thomas could work his way as the main goal-line back.
Dexter McCluster - RB - Kansas City: Like Ray said above, it's looking like Jamaal Charles' season is over after tearing his knee in a blowout loss to the Lions. Thomas Jones will be the heavy favorite on the waiver wire, but McCluster could be the sleeper back to own out of the two. After Charles left, Jones showed he still hasn't gotten any of his burst back, averaging a paltry 3.1 yards on the ground. McCluster was much better with a 6.4 average and also showing his strength in the passing game with four catches. If you miss out on Jones, McCluster could be someone to look at if you are desperate for running back help.
Tashard Choice - RB - Dallas: Ray hit it spot on that DeMarco Murray should get a chance to shoulder the load if Felix Jones is out for multiple weeks. But because he is the backup on the depth chart, I have to throw Choice's name out there. The coaching staff doesn't care for Choice much. That's been the word around the team for awhile. And after averaging one yard on five carries, Murray could easily pass him by. I only recommend Choice if Murray is, somehow, already on another team, but I really don't have high hopes. Choice is just too inconsistent and he hasn't been able to prove himself in spot work in the recent past.
Keiland Williams - RB - Detroit: After being a healthy scratch in Week One, Williams scored his first rushing touchdown of the season in Week Two, while also chipping in 25 rushing yards. He's someone to keep on the radar if his touches at the goal line increase, but don't bother picking him up at the moment.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Eric Decker - WR - Denver: Decker's breakout performance of five catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns was more of a product of Brandon Lloyd (groin) sitting out and Eddie Royal leaving the game early with, what could be, a severe groin pull. Still, Decker has now put up two-straight fantasy worthy games and is a must-have in all leagues, especially if Royal is out for multiple weeks.
David Nelson - WR - Buffalo: After putting up ten fantasy points in standard-PPR leagues in Week One, Nelson followed it up with ten catches for 83 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Raiders. Roscoe Parrish left the game early with an ankle injury, so Nelson could be an option if he misses Week Three. With Ryan Fitzpatrick looking strong and Stevie Johnson playing like an animal, Nelson could see a lot of single coverage in the slot.
Nate Washington - WR - Tennessee: Through two weeks of action, Washington has been able to tally thirteen receptions for 166 receiving yards. Washington always had the talent, but injuries were keeping him down. He could be a viable WR3 going forward with defenses concentrating on Kenny Britt.
A.J. Green - WR - Cincinnati: Green's receptions spiked from one last week, which resulted in a touchdown, to ten against the Broncos. He might not be anything more than a mid-tier WR3, but his upside is looking fantastic with two straight weeks with a touchdown catch. Andy Dalton is looking better than advertised.
Brandon LaFell - WR - Carolina: When you have a quarterback who has thrown for over 400 yards in two games, chances are you will reap the benefits. That's exactly what LaFell has been doing. His eight catches for 119 yards and a score isn't spectacular, but it's WR4 worthy.
Domenik Hixon - WR - NY Giants: In the MNF win over the Rams, Mario Manningham hit his head on the turf and wound up suffering a concussion, make is status for Week Three in doubt right now. Hixon injured his calf, but it isn't believed to be serious. Hixon himself even said he could have came back in the game if he had to. Hixon could be a worthwhile option this week against an Eagles secondary that got torched last week against the Falcons. If you haven't seen it yet, YouTube Hixon's touchdown catch from last night. It is an excellent highlight from the game.
Danario Alexander - WR - St. Louis: With Danny Amendola out against the Giants, Sam Bradford spread the love to his other options, one of them being Alexander, who blew up for 122 receiving yards off three catches and a score. Temper your enthusiasm, however, because I seem to recall Alexander having a big game like this last year, only to fall back to Earth. So while the talent is there, the inconsistencies are to.
Don't be the sucker who picks up:
Dane Sanzenbacher - WR - Chicago: Never heard of him? That's okay. You likely won't hear about him again. Sanzenbacher caught three passes, one for a score, for 33 yards against the Saints. Every now and then a nobody will pop up and have a decent fantasy day, only never to be heard from again. I doubt we see Sanzenbacher in the end zone for the rest of the year.
