Every week we take a look at the players to add in fantasy football that will make an impact on your lineup. Fantasy football is always full of surprises, with injuries, suspensions, and horrible play, you have to look to the waiver wire to boost your team. I have compiled a list of key players to give consideration to in the upcoming week per position.
Quarterback
This season has seen the Quarterback position have some up and down numbers, if you do not fully trust your signal-caller for the upcoming week here are some guys to give a look on the waiver wire and possibly start on your team.
Sam Bradford, Vikings (8.8% owned) – Okay before you argue with me about this Vikings offense, hear me out. Bradford has been extremely efficient on offense for the Vikings and has yet to turn the ball over in his first three games. Also, he is winning, and usually winning translates into solid fantasy points. If you lost someone i.e. Newton or Siemian, give Bradford a look, especially with a favorable schedule moving forward.
Paxton Lynch, Broncos (0.8% owned) – Paxton looked great in his first action in the regular season this past week against the Buccaneers. If you are a Siemian owner and you are nervous he might not make it back or you have room on your roster, give Lynch a look in case he gets the start this week. He has the weapons and a powerful arm, if he gets the job he might just not lose it from there.
Running Back
Running backs have great value in fantasy and if you can find a guy that is going to get consistent carries then you should do well at this position. Here are my picks for waiver wire pick-ups this week.
Jordan Howard, Bears (48% owned) – if this guy is available in your league and you need to pick him up, like yesterday. It baffles me that he is not over 90% owned in leagues. He is a great back with huge upside. He seems to be the guy taking over for Langford and looks like more of a every down back. Howard has been good in 2016 and will continue to improve. Again, this is a must add if he is available.
James White, Patriots (3.2% owned) – with Brady coming back this week White becomes a viable option out of the backfield, he is dangerous through the air and on the ground and can steal point away from Blount. In deep leagues he might be someone worth giving a shot.
Wide Receiver
We have seen some smaller name players taking the lead at this position this season which provides a lot of hope for people needed a solid performer to add to their team.
Steve Smith, Ravens (9.2% owned) – Last year I had Smith in a couple of my leagues and he delivered consistent numbers week after week. I would give him a serious look as he is one of Flacco’s favorite targets. Smith Exploded this past week for 17 fantasy points and looks to impress again.
Sammie Coates, Steelers (2.8% owned) – With Martavis Bryant missing for the Steelers they have needed others to step up and contribute to the offense. Coates came up huge for the Steelers against the Chiefs and looks to be a WR to watch in the coming weeks. Add him if you are struggling for depth at WR and looking for someone to have big games Coates could be someone to take a look at.
Tight End
A position that can win or lose a matchup for you, and one of the most inconsistent positions in fantasy football if your last name is not Gronkowski. Here are my picks for the waiver wire this week.
ADD OF THE WEEK
Kyle Rudolph, Vikings (62% owned) – He is still not 90% owned. Grab Rudolph ASAP if he is available in your league. He has put up wide receiver numbers so far this season and looks to continue to develop into a favorite target of Sam Bradford. With so much attention on Diggs by opposing defenses, it allows for Rudolph to slip in and grab some good numbers against those teams doubling Diggs. Rudolph is a solid add to start for your team.
Zach Miller, Bears (46% owned) – Miller has been a touchdown magnet the past two weeks and looks to be a solid add if available in your league. Miller provides a good option for people looking for a TE to get 6-9 points a week. Hoyer has made him a favorite target in the redzone as teams seem to forget about him with the other talented WR’s of the Bears around. I would give him a look if you are looking for a new starter.
Defense
Unless you have one of the top defenses in the league, this position offers a very inconsistent amount of points week by week, but if you are really looking for a change here I have a couple of options for you. I kept my defenses the same this week as they are both solid adds for the upcoming weeks.
Dallas Cowboys (6% owned) – the Cowboys have been semi-impressive to start this season, but they will continue to get better as players come back from suspensions and they continue to grow in confidence. Keep tabs on this defense to possibly be a must start in the weeks to come.
Philadelphia Eagles (28% owned) – This defense has looked like a top 5 defense so far this season allowing only 3 points against a great Steelers offense two weeks ago. If I had a mediocre defense and the Eagles were available this would be a must add for this week.
Kicker
Kickers can also make or break your team, finding a kicker on a good team is key to scoring s solid 10 points a game.
Matt Bryant, Falcons (14% owned) – Bryant is the kicker for the best offense in the league, if he is not owned you better pick him up. He will score points every game because of the position his offense will put in him consistently.
Caleb Sturgis, Eagles (2% owned) – Sturgis is a part of a good Eagles team that has put some points up in recent weeks. Look for Sturgis to help his team score points and get you some help as well if you add him.
Let me know of any players you have added that have been successful for you this season or past seasons. Who has been your fantasy player of the year so far? I would love to hear your feedback!
