This is now the second time this year that Miles Austin's hamstring has become a problem, and it is usually happening after just a few plays or so.
The aspect to learn here, is that the hamstring has never truly been healthy, and it is starting to catch up with him and the Cowboys, but owners need to know how that positively affects this week's waiver wire.
So without further ado, let's get right into things and find out why, as well as, what else I and Greg Brosh have in store for you.
Laurent Robinson - WR - Cowboys:
I remember when everyone was really hopeful this guy was going to rise to fantasy greatness, but alas, it never happened—until he came to Dallas that is.
OK, maybe not fantasy greatness, but certainly fantasy relevance and that's all you need out of him.
Robinson is usually the WR 4 in the Cowboys scheme when Austin is healthy, but now that we know he is not, Robinson's workload is certainly on par to increase.
Robinson already has two 100 yard games against a very good Eagles pass D, and a very good Lions pass D, and otherwise averages 4 catches a game for 59 yards, and the Cowboys face BUF, WSH, MIA, ARI, NYG and TB which are all favorable matchups going forward.
He's worth the add.
Reggie Bush - RB - MIA:
Sticking to the theme of reoccurring hamstring issues, the Dolphins have been enjoying what appears to be a slight resurgence in RB Reggie Bush, while rookie Daniel Thomas still deals with getting back on a consistent healthy track.
The Dolphins now want to use a RBBC approach with Thomas and Bush, but Thomas can't seem to stay healthy enough to think that will be reality each week going forward.
I realize that Bush is a high risk/medium reward player, but there should be plenty of you out there in deeper formats who are hurting at RB in one fashion or another, and Bush could be your immediate band aid off the wire.
Christian Ponder - QB - Vikings:
With no bye week in Week 10, nobody will have a QB issue, unless your QB has a terrible matchup, or is injured.
So if that is the case, and you are that worried, I suggest picking up Christian Ponder this week, and possibly hanging onto him for a week or two more as a nice insurance policy.
Ponder faces a Green Bay defense he nearly defeated had it not been for Charles Woodson's two interceptions, but Ponder still threw for 219 yards and 2 TDs before coming out the next week and vastly improving against a much better Carolina defense in which he passed with nearly 20 points higher in completion percentage, 236 passing yards, and a single score.
Hey, you could do far worse at QB.
Titus Young - WR - Detroit:
The consensus around the web is that Young is far to inconsistent to be considered a fantasy option right now, which is the perfect reason to scoop him up now.
If we listened to the same old worn out "consensus" everyone would essentially own the same team, and learn nothing about fantasy football...which is why I am here.
The Lions have been slowly easing Young into more responsibility while phasing Nate Burleson out as a passing decoy, and set-up man only.
This is what the Lions want on offense, especially if they are going to make the playoffs. They want two outside threats, a serviceable ground game and a solid threat at TE while utilizing the slot as the decoy or situational option/safety net.
I think going forward, Young will offer more value in PPR leagues than Standard, but he is still a nice grab.
Dennis Pitta - TE - BAL:
Here's an intriguing player to key your eye on. The Baltimore Ravens have been utilizing this nifty little package called the "diesel package" which features two tight ends, two wide receivers and a single back.
The deployment has worked wonders for the Ravens, and they plan on featuring it more going forward.
Pitta isn't much of an option now, but if you have the space, you could easily add him to your roster and see if he grows into anything.
If you don't, place him on your watch list, and take the same approach because I have a feeling he could blossom in the next few weeks.
Stay tuned for Greg Brosh's adds.
QUARTERBACKS
Andy Dalton - CIN: Everyone has been throwing praise towards Cam Newton and rightfully so. But what Dalton has been able to do on a Bengals team that was left for dead in the offseason is remarkable. Through 8 games, Dalton has averaged 212 passing yards and tossed up 12 touchdowns along with 7 interceptions. His chemistry and growth with fellow rookie receiver A.J. Green will make this pair a strong duo for years to come. Keep in mind that Dalton has a rough couple of weeks coming up against Pittsburgh and Baltimore, but he could be an option in 2QB leagues. He is definitely a valued dynasty option past 2011.
Carson Palmer - OAK: If Palmer didn't know the offense last week, he does now. He had a field day against the Broncos, chucking up 332 passing yards and 3 touchdowns against the Broncos. The biggest problem is that he continues to make bad decisions, which led to another 3 picks Sunday. That leaves 6 in half a game in Week 8 and a full one Sunday. With quarterback options dwindling this late in the year, Palmer could be a serviceable QB2 and a possible starter in the right matchup. But he has to start making smarter decisions and keep his turnovers to a minimum.
Matt Moore - MIA: Moore picked apart the Chiefs Defense and continued to throw to Brandon Marshall, despite Marshall's matchup against Brandon Flowers. With strong pass protection, Moore was able to toss up 3 touchdowns, but don't expect that type of game every week. With more so-so games than strong ones, Moore is still only a QB2 right now. The team continues to rely more on the run.
RUNNING BACKS
Roy Helu - WAS: After patiently waiting, the Redskins finally seem ready to let Helu break out in the backfield. He was only able to chip in 41 rushing yards (4.1 ypc), but his 14 catches for 105 yards were huge in PPR leagues. Helu is a must add in all league formats with John Beck continuing to check down on almost every play. To get a background on Helu, revisit my old Sleeper Article on Helu from the offseason.
Donald Brown - IND: Joseph Addai was active, but Delone Carter got the start against the Falcons. Unfortunately, Carter fumbled his way into the doghouse early, which led to Brown coming up big with 70 rushing yards. As of right now, Brown appears to be the only back to own. But with the Colts the frontrunner in the "Suck For Luck" Club at 0-9, this backfield could be led by anyone in any given week. For now, it appears Brown is the one the coaching staff relies on the most. Consider him a flex option at best.
Chris Ogbonnaya - CLE: Looks like my sleeper prediction turned out to be a flop. Ogbonnaya managed a mere 28 rushing yards against the Texans. Most of it can be attributed to the fact that the Browns simply had to give up on the run after being down 24-3 going into the second half. But Ogbonnaya didn't show much in the way of breaking tackles. And losing a fumble on his very first carry of the game didn't help either. The Rams rank dead last in rushing yards allowed with 153.6 a game. But after yesterday, I can't recommend Ogbonnaya as anything more than a flex option if he has to start again.
LaDainian Tomlinson - NYJ: LT doesn't do much in the offense behind Shonn Greene, but he did vulture a score against the Bills. Greene wound up getting checked for a head injury that may or may not have been a concussion late in the game Sunday. Greene owners will want to keep an eye on the situation. With a decent matchup against the Patriots coming up, LT could be a strong option if Greene has to sit.
Marion Barber - CHI: Barber doesn't get many chances to carry the ball, but he has scored in the last 4 out of 5 games. If anything, he could be a low-end flex in touchdown-heavy leagues.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Jacoby Ford - OAK: Ford, not Darrius Heyward-Bey, wound up starting across from Denarius Moore against the Broncos and it paid off big time. He led the team with 5 catches for 105 yards and a score. Clearly the most talented of all the Oakland receivers, Ford should be picked up in all leagues. His value is even higher on the off chance the coaching staff continues to let him return punts and kicks.
Steve Breaston - ARI: While we had Jon Baldwin as the sleeper option against the Dolphins, it was Breaston (7/115) who went off. The matchup against the Broncos in Week 10 is huge, but Baldwin could easily put up better stats. For now, Breaston and Baldwin are nothing more than WR3s going forward.
Torrey Smith - BAL: Smith caught the game winning touchdown against the Steelers Sunday night and has been a fantasy factor over the last two weeks. Facing a questionable Seahawks secondary in Week 10, Smith could be a decent WR3 if he is still available.
TIGHT ENDS
Jake Ballard - NYG: At this time of year, it's pretty difficult finding a tight end who can give you continuous fantasy numbers every week. Dolphine TE Anthony Fasano caught two touchdowns Sunday, but I'd be damned if I recommended him in this list because his past numbers are awful. Ballard, however, seems to be having strong chemistry with Eli Manning. His past 4 games have yielded TE1-type numbers with an average of 4 catches and roughly 68 yards a game, along with 2 touchdowns. If Ballard is on your waiver wire, I'd pick him up. He may not be the strongest option right now, but his chances of scoring go up every week.
