FNTSY Sports Network’s Pat Mayo and Chris Meaney recap the Week 9 NFL injury report and debate Mayo’s Week 10 Waiver Wire FAAB Rankings. They address how to approach bidding for need versus depth, which defenses and QBs make the best streams in Week 10 and what you should be looking for in return if you’re shopping Mark Ingram, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger. Mayo and Meaney explain why they like Mike Evans over Martavis Bryant andBrandon LaFell at WR and how the lack of information surrounding Arian Foster’s injury makes Alfred Blue a contentious name on the Week 10 waiver wire FAAB rankings. Plus, Mayo can’t contain his glee concerning Mark Sanchez.
Week 9: Game Picks | FAAB Bids | WR Adds | RB Adds
Week 9 Rankings: FLEX | QB | RB | WR | TE & D/ST
Week 9: Injuries | Starts/Sits | Buy Low/Sell High
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Week 10 Waiver Wire Pickup Power Rankings
Week 10 Waiver Wire Power Rankings (suggested winning FAAB Bids for $100 budget)
*All Players less than 60-percent owned
Running Backs
Denard Robinson ($45)
Alfred Blue ($67)
Ryan Mathews ($11)
Tre Mason ($15)
Bobby Rainey ($18)
Jonas Gray ($6)
Anthony Dixon ($7)
Lorenzo Taliaferro ($6)
Charles Sims ($9)
DeAngelo Williams ($3)
Knile Davis ($2)
Joseph Randle ($0)
Matt Asiata ($4)
Terrance West ($7)
Bryce Brown ($3)
Isaiah Crowell ($0)
Benny Cunningham ($3)
Jonathan Stewart ($2)
Antone Smith ($0)
Juwan Thompson ($0)
Jonathan Grimes ($0)
Theo Riddick ($2)
Travaris Cadet ($0)
Lance Dunbar ($0)
LeGarrette Montez Blount ($0)
Chris Polk: Photo Antagonist ($0)
Roy Helu ($0)
Ka’Deem Carey ($0)
James Starks ($0)
Marion Brice ($0)
Storm Johnson ($0)
Brandon Bolden ($0)
Stepfan Taylor ($0)
Dexter McCluster ($0)
James White ($0)
Robert Turbin, if he’s still alive ($0)
Jordan Todman ($0)
Peyton Hillis ($0)
The BIGGGGGGG week 10 waiver wire question surrounds the health of Arian Foster. Foster suffered a non-contact groin injury against the Eagles, went to the lockeroom and didn’t return. Pure potassium benzoate right there – that’s bad. Alfred Blue is the next man up in the Texans’ backfield and, while he didn’t look good whatsoever (1.9 ypc), Houston is fully committed to its running game and Blue will see the majority of the RB touches over Jonathan Grimes- Grimey. But herein lies the problem: we don’t know how long Foster is going to be out. Houston’s on bye next week but does get a fairly soft schedule starting in Week 11: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Tennessee and Jacksonville. From recent test cases – Montee Ball & Fred Jackson - expecting Foster to miss four-six weeks would be the most probable estimate. Except, the Texans may not reveal the extent of the injury before the week 10 waiver wire deadline, so you have to figure out where your team’s priorities rest, as you may have to go into this seeking blind salvation. If you need a starting RB for the next month or are Foster owner, you may have to break your FAAB bank merely as a precaution. The upcoming bye week may deflate the required FAAB bid necessary to acquire Blue’s services, but I wouldn’t mess around getting cute looking for a deal and end up missing out; it’s an awful situation for Fantasy owners. In leagues where I desperately need a quality RB2 for the short/long term, screw it, I’m taking the Nestea Plunge on Blue. For other teams where my RB corps is relatively solid, I’ll be putting in a smaller bid and praying I get lucky. Knowing how Fantasy Football works, we’ll all get Blue and feel good about it Tuesday night, then Wednesday morning we’ll find out that Foster is fine. Thems the breaks. Want the latest info, it’ll be here… The Chargers are also on bye next week, givingRyan Mathews another 13 days to rest up for his return. Mathews is available in a bunch of leagues, and after San Diego’s heinous performance against the Dolphins, anticipate Mathews returning to his 15-20 touches a game… Hope you listened and didn’t panic drop Tre Mason after last week’s hiccup. Mason dominated the touches among the Rams’ RBs: Mason (20), Benny Cunningham (7), Trey Watts (1), Zac Stacy (0). Played Stacy? YOU GOT THE DUD!!!… If Denard Robinson is still on the Week 10 waiver wire in your league, I’m sorry to say, your league is garbage. Consider upgrading from rookie mode for 2015… Before getting too excited about Terrence West and his 16 touches against the Bucs, consider this: since Alex Mack went down for the year three weeks ago, Cleveland running backs have exactly two rushes of more than 10 yards. Two. And that’s on 76 attempts. Apparently, the talent gap from Mack and to sub-center Nick McDonald is the difference between an excellent rushing attack and one that’s truly harrowing. Plus, week-to-week, it’s been impossible to project the Browns’ touch distribution. West is OK as a bench/bye week filler, nothing more. Moreover, I’m out on all Cleveland RBs as trustworthy starts until this awful line gives its collective head a shake and gets a grip… Please don’t get sucked in by Matt Asiata because of his three TDs. Unless you’re certain he’s going to score in that game, then you should expect three TDs; every time Asiata’s rushed for a TD in his career he’s completed the Troika. His presence as the Vikings’ goal line RB does suck away value from Jerick McKinnon, though.What a pisser… Everyone’s favorite RB pickup from last week, Charles Sims, was indeed activated from the IR/DTR Saturday afternoon, but he was still inactive Sunday against the Browns. Sims will likely make his career debut next week against the most generous defense to Fantasy RBs, Atlanta, but AT BEST, you’d have to figure he’s going to be in a timeshare with Bobby Rainey, assuming Doug Martin’s ankle keeps him out again. If Martin returns, God help us. We’ll have to create a Ministry of Backfield Confusion simply to launch a probe into the matter, just so we can guess properly. If I need a RB to start in Week 10, I’d go Rainey; if I needed one to stash away for future usage, it’d be Sims. Martin, he’s dead to me. Drop him… Jonas Gray’s poor showing presents a cheap buying opportunity on the Week 10 waiver wire for two reasons: 1) He may actually be dropped in a lot of leagues after his 33 yard outing against Denver. Don’t worry about that; the Broncos have been stingy to RBs on the ground this season. 2) New England is entering its mandatory week of rest, so people will simply forget about him. Gray won’t cost any more than a couple FAAB bucks and is definitely worth a flier if you’re desperate for running back depth beyond this week… Marion Grace won the “random Arizona RB who gets to steal Andre Ellington’s TD” weekly lottery!!! I suppose he’s officially Ellington’s handcuff now, not Stepfan Taylor. But, as we’ve seen with the Cardinals’ backfield, that’s not the most secure gig going. If it’s not Marion “The Barbarian” Barber (III), not interested… Bills RBs? You want Anthony Dixon overBryce Brown this week… Lamar Miller banged up his shoulder. He’s expected to be OK for Week 10, but I’ve seen less turn into worse as news begins dripping out. As a precaution, keep Daniel Thomas and Damien Williams in the back of your mind. Or better yet, the watch list. That’s probably easier.
Wide Receivers
Mike Evans ($36)
Brandon LaFell ($35)
Martavis Bryant ($34)
Odell Beckham Jr. ($25)
Malcom Floyd ($3)
Allen Robinson ($11)
Doug Baldwin ($18)
Greg Jennings ($16)
Dwayne Bowe ($2)
Andrew Hawkins ($2)
Andre Holmes ($5)
Kenny Britt ($11)
Kenny Stills ($3)
Davante Adams ($3)
Cecil Shorts III ($4)
Donte Moncrief ($16)
Taylor Gabriel ($5)
Markus Wheaton ($4)
Allen Hurns ($14)
Jarvis Landry ($2)
John Brown ($1)
Jordan Matthews ($7)
Miles Austin ($0)
Robert Woods ($0)
Jerricho Cotchery ($0)
Eddie Royal ($0)
Jermaine Kearse ($0)
Stedman Bailey ($0)
Louis Murphy ($0)
Jarius Wright ($0)
Stevie Johnson ($0)
Andre Roberts ($0)
Brice Butler!!! ($0)
Brandon Lloyd ($0)
Kenbrell Thompkins ($0)
Jeremy Ross ($0)
David Tyms ($0)
Jeremy Kerley ($0)
Preston Parker ($0)
Devin Hester ($0)
Brian Hartline ($0)
Nate Washington ($0)
Michael Campanaro CANYONERO ($0)
I love Martavis Bryant right along with every one else that calls him “Martaivis”, but let’s get one thing straight:Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell are the focal points of this offense. The Steelers just won’t stay this hot forever, so you’re going to suffer through some non-TD weeks, eventually, but the talent is evident. If he starts absorbing all of Markus Wheaton’s targets he’ll be unstoppable. Martavis Bryant: The Secret of the Ooze… ing upside. Ninja, ninja, RAP… Mike Evans deserves to be owned in more leagues. The rook’s seen 7-plus targets in five straight games and in six of seven overall. He won’t find pay dirt twice a week, but he’s getting enough usage to make him a Top 35ish WR for the rest of the season and, primarily, a weapon to deploy in favorable matchups. Money Mike is even more valuable if you need more swag on your squad… Teddy Throwsevelt hasn’t done much to enhance the passing game in Minnesota, outside of Greg Jennings. Very quietly, Jennings has scored at least 12 PPR Fantasy points in three straight games… Time to say, “hello, Mr. Kurns Hurns” once again. Allen Hurns is definitely the “big play” guy in the Jags’ offense, which is going to produce a scattering of large totals, but the weekly consistency and, most importantly, predictability won’t be there. Since, you know, Blake Bortles makes very few big plays. I still prefer the consistent opportunity of Allen Robinson and Cecil Shorts if I’m picking between Jacksonville WRs. Which I am… Jarvis Landry popped up again. As the NFL leader in return yardage, he has a splash of hidden value from the extra opportunities with the ball, but he’s really nothing more than a WR5/6 in 12-team leagues… Dwayne Bowe has 17 receptions over the last three games with the crummy Buffalo secondary upcoming. Just sayin’… Andrew Hawkinssoaked up the most targets (8) from Brian Hoyer against the Bucs, but it was The SLEDGEHAMMER, Taylor Gabrielthat did the Fantasy damage. If you must own a Browns receiver, it’s still Josh Gordon. He’ll be back in three weeks…Brandon LaFell!!!!!!!!… Kenny Britt appears to be the most valuable Rams’ wide out on the Week 10 waiver wire, but really, unless you’re dealing with crippling injury/bye week issues, you’re never going to play him… It’s looking like Doug Baldwin is the only Seahawks WR you need to consider. He led Seattle in targets for the third straight game. Better days lie ahead for Baldy.
It’s Robert Griffin. He’s back. In GIF form!!!
Tight Ends
Heath Miller ($11)
Dwayne Allen ($5)
Tyler Eifert ($0)
Kyle Rudolph ($0)
Owen Daniels ($4)
Charles Clay ($8)
Mychal Rivera ($5)
Clay Harbor ($4)
Austin Seferian-Jenkins ($2)
Jace Amaro ($0)
Ladarius Green ($0)
Scott Chandler ($0)
Chase Ford ($0)
Tim Wright ($2)
Anthony Fasano
Coby Fleener ($0)
Lance Kendricks ($0)
Eric Ebron ($0)
Jermaine Gresham ($0)
Daniel Fells ($0)
Gavin Escobar ($0)
Charles Clay has scored twice in three games and will presumably be the hot pickup of the week at the position. Do me a favor, though, temper expectations. Clay is a high variance player due to his shifting role in the Dolphins’ weekly game plan, and is just as likely score three Fantasy points as he is 15. Clay’s a decent gamble if you’re in a spot, but certainly not to be trusted… That’s now 20 targets in two weeks for Mychal Rivera. That’s almost 1/1,000,000,000,000,000 of the looks his sister gets! Still, if you’re missing #GRONKSMASH, Jordan Reed, Antonio Gates or Dwayne Allen in Week 10, at least you know Derek Carr’s tossing it Rivera’s way. And you’d imagine the Raiders will be doing a lot of throwing when they’re down 1,000,000,000,000,000-1 (rouge) to the Broncos after two minutes… If you’re thinking a bit longer term, Kyle Rudolph and Tyler Eifert are set to return in Week 11. I prefer Eifert of the duo… After seemingly cauterizing their TE wound, the Cowboys have allowed big men to breach the goal line two of the last three weeks; making Clay Harbor a worthy upside risk on the Week 10 waiver wire… Heath Milleragainst the Jets is the best bet, but he’s owned in a majority of leagues. Although, it’s worth taking a gander, just in case he’s out there… Ditto for Travis Kelce against the Bills. I’m bearish on Anthony Fasano however. Although, he does lead the league in asszone targets.
Quarterbacks
Ben Roethlisberger ($21)
Mark Sanchez ($14)
Carson Palmer ($13)
Ryan Tannehill ($12)
Derek Carr ($3)
Andy Dalton ($3)
Kyle Orton ($0)
Teddy Throwsevelt ($0)
CHEF HOYARDEE!!! ($0)
Blake Bortles ($0)
Alex Smith ($0)
Austin Davis ($0)
Mike Glennon ($0)
Zach Mettenburger ($0)
Remember how I suggested picking up Shy Ronnie Hillman all those weeks ago because of the upside he inherited by merely standing next to Peyton Manning? No? Doesn’t matter. Just remember to apply the same logic to Mark Sanchez. Nick Foles is out 4-8 weeks, so copy and paste Sanchez’ name into where you had Foles. The system is what makes them good, there’s really no difference in talent. As insane as it sounds, the Sanchize should be THEE priority pickup at QB on the Week 10 waiver wire. He’s a Top 12 option at the position while Foles is sidelined… Ben Roethlisberger gets the Jets. He’s heavily owned but available enough to note; he’s the best streaming option and long term value. New York’s 24 passing touchdowns against is six more than any other team. However if you already own Big Ben, sell as high as possible. I’ll bet he fetches a hefty haul at the moment… If you’re jammed at QB in Week 10, presumably from an encounter with Lonestar, the King of Garbage Time, Derek Carr will be a competent alternative against Denver. The Broncos have allowed 11 passing TDs the last four weeks… Carson Palmer is officially theRodney Dangerfield of Fantasy QBs. You’d think multiple TDs in every game he’s started would have him at universal ownership, not the case. That needs to change.
Defense/Special Teams
ARZ vs STL
DAL at JAX
BAL vs TEN
PIT at NYJ
DEN at OAK
PHI vs CAR
GB vs CHI
Streaming against the Rams on the road and the Jags anywhere on Earth continues to produce double-digit Fantasy points for the opposing D/ST. You may as well hop on that trend until it stops working… I don’t trust Green Bay’s D/ST against the Bears, however, if you play in leagues where defenses come at a premium, know that Chicago has bled 12+ Fantasy points to the opposing D/ST in three of its past four games. Just be warned, this is a risky move, with the Bears’ offense capable of posting crooked numbers at a moment’s notice, but if you’re stuck, GB D/ST has upside and will be at the ready.
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