We’re late with our pickups this week. I’m on a bit of a vacation, and travel interfered. But that said, there isn’t and/or wasn’t much to get excited about this week on the waiver wire.
Josh Gordon is the darling of Week 3, but I have to assume he’s been stashed on someone’s bench since the draft as he has been in most of my leagues.
There’s plenty of talk that he could soon be traded, which could change his fantasy value, but owners should hold onto him regardless as he’ll be featured in the Browns offense until then.
While a Nate Burleson pizza may have opened the door for Ryan Broyles, he’s been owned or recently stashed in many leagues as well. He has a chance to contribute as part of the productive Lions’ passing game.
So what are we left with? Here are a few names that may or may not be acquired.
Bilal Powell, RB, New York Jets
As the starter in Week 1 and part of a timeshare with Chris Ivory thus far, Powell was drafted and owned in most of my leagues coming into Week 3. But Chris Ivory’s recent hamstring injury will give Powell a chance to dominate the carries for the Jets for multiple weeks.
These matchups won’t be cake walks, but running backs are few and far between this year, which makes Powell a must add in every league. I’d consider spending up to 20 percent of your FAAB on him.
Isaiah Pead, RB, St. Louis Rams
Much like Powell, Pead was sharing the load with starter Daryl Richardson ever since coming off his one-week suspension. He hasn’t made a huge mark, but Richardson’s troublesome foot injury gave Pead a chance to get more carries in Week 3.
Being a better fit for a feature back role, Pead has a chance to excel in Richardson’s absence. Unfortunately, he’s done little to separate himself thus far in his career.
I’d conservatively offer 10 percent of your FAAB to get Pead if you need the help at running back or were relying on Richardson as a starter.
Brandon Bolden, RB, New England Patriots
Keeping with our theme of running backs, Bolden returned from his injury and has seemingly taken Shane Vereen’s role as the third-down back for the Pats. If you remember, Vereen was very productive in Week 1 and won’t be returning until very near the end of fantasy football season.
Bolden’s a worthwhile stash or flex play in Vereen’s absence. Consider 10 percent a decent bid for him in FAAB.
As a few quick notes…if you need quarterback help, keep your eye on Jake Locker and Ryan Tannehill. Both could be on the rise and make the case for why you don’t have to carry two quarterbacks this season. Terrelle Pryor, who we talked about earlier this year, should be a nice play against the Redskins if he can pass concussion tests this week.
The Denver Broncos’ backfield is a guessing game each week with Ronnie Hillman winning Week 3. I don’t think any of the three-headed attack can be trusted for the moment, and I would consider selling high on Hillman or Knowshon Moreno if possible. Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers are in a similar situation as long as Steven Jackson misses time, but Snelling is the one I’d rather own. We discussed their abilities last week.
Please make sure Kenbrell Thompkins is owned in all leagues. He’s only going to trend up. If nothing else, use him as sweetener in a trade if you don’t see yourself starting him.
Don’t forget that Justin Blackmon, Le’Veon Bell, and Jonathan Stewart will be returning soon from injury and suspension. Bell might be on the field as soon as Sunday. Stewart is still just someone to keep an eye on for now, but Bell and Blackmon should be owned.
Kansas City Chiefs D/ST
As the top fantasy defense in most scoring systems through three weeks, I think the turnover-happy Chiefs are legit. Make sure they are owned in all leagues. They’re a great start this week against the turnover-happy Giants.
For more streaming defensive picks for Week 4, check out Rotoworld and The Fake Football.
And for any additional waiver wire advice, visit FantasyPros, Fantasy Football Librarian’s collections here and here, Rotoworld, The Hazean, Gridiron Experts, ESPN, and Fanspeak.
1 comment