We’re going to try to make this as consistent as possible as the season goes on. I seem to be creating quite the buzz when it comes to waiver pickups so I’m happy it’s at least useful.
I’m going to pat myself on the back a bit this week as the “What’s Real, What’s Not” was, for the most part, spot on. If you didn’t catch it here’s last week’s recommendations. Lets do a quick post week 1 waiver recap to see how last weeks recommends did before forging ahead with this weeks pickups:
Allen Hurns, Jacksonville Jaguars- Last Week: Real, but proceed with caution
Key Piece Of Advice From Last Week: “the rookie learning curve is real. I’m not going to lump Hurns in with the Kevin Ogletree‘s of this world yet but you will probably want to make sure Hurns isn’t an immediate need before you go betting the farm on consistent production.” Week 2 Line: 2 rec. (on six targets), 13 yards
I tried to be as subtle as possible about the hoopla surrounding Hurns. I guess this week I should take stronger approach. Look, I think Hurns is a fine young receiver, but he almost cost a guy in my dynasty league a victory when he decided to get cute and play Hurns over Brandon Marshall. Could anyone have predicted three touchdowns from Marshall? No. But I owned him last year and know it would take a torn something for him not to take the field. Proceed with caution and play him solely if you need him.
Justin Forsett, Baltimore Ravens- Last Week: Not Real
Key Piece Of Advice From Last Week: “you expect me to believe that I’m supposed to run out and bet the farm on this guy? There’s a reason this guy was third on the depth chart before the Ravens released that running back (who will remain nameless on this site. Forever.) earlier this week. Don’t believe the hype here, save that waiver position for better options and be okay if you’re wrong here.” Week 2 Line: 8 rushes, 56 yards
Another player I tried to downplay the excitement (although with a bit more authority). For what the Ravens needed for him to do he didn’t have a bad game. It just doesn’t translate over for Fantasy Football purposes. In fact Bernard Pierce out-touched (22) and out-gained (96 yards) him on the day. That shows you exactly who the lead dog will be with the guy that used to be there now gone.
Terrance West, Cleveland Browns- Last Week: VERY Real
Key Piece Of Advice From Last Week: “I like Terrance West. A lot. So much, in fact, I would be willing to bet he doesn’t give the job back to Tate so easily when he comes back. He’ll have his moments when he makes you remember he’s a rookie out of Towson, but believe me when I tell you he’s someone you need to have on your fantasy team.” Week 2 Line: 19 rushes, 68 RuYards, TD, 2 rec., 22 ReYards
Believe me now? He can run (4.8 yds/att.), he can catch (11 yds/rec.), and he’s blocking well enough to warrant full-time reps in the backfield. He’s getting goal line opportunities now, as well. Ben Tate better get back in a hurry.
Week 2 Waiver Report:
Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins (WEEK 2: 250 yards, 2 TD) – So lets start with the elephant in the room in our nation’s capital: Kirk Cousins, who has looked better than RGIII all offseason, is the starter for the foreseeable future with Griffin out with an ankle injury. I’m not going to get into the whole “Cousins v. Griffin III” debate but I will put it to you like this: the offense hums when Cousins is under center. As for your fantasy team? Cousins next three opponents are the Giants, Eagles (in Philly), and Seahawks. If you need a bye week fill-in week four for Andy Dalton, Russell Wilson, Peyton Manning, and Carson Palmer (or any other bye week for your starter when D.C. doesn’t play Seattle) he is an intriguing play. For those who depended on Griffin you were in trouble to begin with so Cousins could be an upgrade. Cousins is not an every week guy and I hope you were smart enough to stash a quality backup. Verdict: Not Real, with spot start value
Knile Davis, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (WEEK 2: 79 RuYards, 2 TD) – Probably the player who will garner the most attention this week. Because of the offense they run in Kansas City Davis has a lot of value. He is NOT, by any means, Jamaal Charles, but he gains tough yards and has proven to be good with the goal line opportunities. He’ll probably get a good amount of work this week against Miami with Charles recovering from that high ankle sprain, but worth the roster spot as a solid handcuff. Verdict: Real
Niles Paul, TE, Washington Redskins (WEEK 2: 99 ReYards, TD) – Jordan Reed was injured (again) and Paul stepped up and played a good game. Cousins, like RGIII, will need a safety blanket; and with a Jay Gruden offense that provides ample opportunities for the position to produce I don’t see any reason why Paul can’t be a solid TE2, possible TE1 for you if Reed can’t stay on the field. Verdict: Real
Larry Donnell, TE, New York Giants (WEEK 2: 81 ReYards) – He kind of fell into this position because no one else in the Giants offense is doing anything. Besides the circumstances, I like Donnell a lot in this offense. He’s going to get looks in the Red Zone because of his size, and through the first couple weeks he’s the only player who seems to know what they’re doing in the receiving game. Snag him, even over Niles Paul. Verdict: Real
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (WEEK 2: 84 ReYards, TD) – For one week, at least, Sanu might be an option for A.J. Green owners. Apart from, and only because of, Green’s injury would I look at Sanu. The 84 yards are a bit misleading because he had one catch (of his three) go for 76 yards and his lone touchdown. I’m not buying him, simply because at this point there are better options and he isn’t worth giving up even a stash on your bench to get. Verdict: A BIG Not Real
James Jones, WR, Oakland Raiders (WEEK 2: 112 ReYards, TD) – We have a James Jones sighting in Oakland. Remember when he led all receivers in touchdowns two years ago? No he might be establishing himself as the go-to option for Derek Carr. He’s a risky play because he has never had a 1,000-yard season (topped out at 817 in 2012), and he fumbles. A lot. His value will be in the volume of targets he gets and what he does with them. My guess is had Green Bay seen him as a playmaker with the ball in his hands he’d still be there. He’s worth a pickup only if you weren’t able to get a replacement WR3/Flex option (or because Justin Hunter is just not getting it done for you). Even then I caution his schedule doesn’t merit very good match ups. Verdict: Not Real unless you’re desperate for production
Andrew Hawkins, WR, Cleveland Browns (WEEK 2: 70 ReYards) – Another Cleveland Brown? Well this one I’m not as high on as West and Crowell. He’s got a shaky quarterback situation, the offense will undoubtedly go “run first,” and Miles Austin (as long as he’s healthy) will get the looks in the Red Zone because he’s bigger. Anything/one in the passing game for Cleveland I wouldn’t buy. Verdict: Not Real
Other Recommends:
- Brian Quick, WR, St. Louis Rams- 14 catches through two games
- Jason Avant, WR, Carolina Panthers- Clear number two receiver after Benjamin
- Buffalo Bills D/ST- C.J. Spiller on returns, special teams play has come up huge
- Cody Parkey, K, Philadelphia Eagles- 5-of-6 on the year in FG, 50-yard+ range, high-scoring offense, and back-to-back, double-digit weeks to start career
*Note: Isaiah Crowell also put together a nice game as the backup on Sunday (11 rushes, 54 yards) but didn’t find the end zone. Still more promising he got so much production with approximately half the opportunities West had.
**Note: The jury is still out on Markus Wheaton (5 rec., 38 yards/2 rushes, 22 yards) and Jake Locker (234 yards, TD, 2 INT’s).
