November 4th, 2009 10:15pm PST
WATERCOOLER CHAT
The Weekly Waiver Wire
WAYNE "THE WIRE” BOSCO
(Courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)
As we continue to get deeper into the 2009 fantasy season and with the well not getting any more full, just when you think it has dried up, we can count on Wayne to offer a little tidbit to help even the most desperate fantasy owners.
Week Eight
There’s little doubt after last week’s breakout performance that running back Ryan Moats will be at the top most waiver wires. Last week Moats rushed for 126 yards and scored three times. With starter Steve Slaton really struggling this season with ball security, more than likely Moats will play a bigger role in the Texans running game. Going forward he may add some depth and quality stats with preferred matchups, but this week his numbers could be a bit pedestrian in a game where the Texans could play catchup. Regardless this would be the time to make the move, he’s not going to sit out there another week.
The Chiefs offense has yet to generate much excitement for the fantasy this season, but with a change coming in the backfield this week, we could see a little more production. With Larry Johnson on hiatus (suspension) running back Jamaal Charles will get the start and a change to become fantasy relevant. This week he has a nice matchup against the Jaguars 25th ranked run defense that allows nearly 130 yards on the ground. What could also make this play more attractive is Charles’ pass catching ability and while he has only carried the ball 23 times this season, he’s averaging five yards a pop. The scat back caught 27 passes as a rookie and could be a better fit in Haley’s system. He’ll certainly have a chance to prove it on Sunday.
Last week Aaron Rodgers put the ball in the air 41 times. With the Packers heading to Tampa Bay, don’t be surprised to see him do more of the same. With both Driver and Jennings demanding so much attention this could be a good week for number three receiver James Jones. Last week against an embattled Vikings secondary, the Packer’s wideout saw five passes in his direction, but managed to only snag one for 42 yards. The Buccaneers secondary is not very deep at the corners and to cover all three Packer wideouts will create some mismatches that could benefit Jones. He’s not highly valued in traditional two receiver leagues, but could offer some worth in leagues that go three deep at receiver.
“Wayne’s Word”
Once again with some fantasy insight here’s Wayne’s Word for week 9;
With Peyton Manning chucking up the pigskin at an alarming rate of success, 318 yards per game, 26.7 completions per game, 71 percent completions, and 15 touchdowns there seems to be plenty to go around. Taking a look at the Indy receiving core, pick your poison. Everyone knows about Wayne and Clark, but fantasy owners in three receiver leagues should be paying close attention to rookie receiver Austin Collie. The rookie receiver is seeing plenty of targets to be relevant. Over the past three games Collie has 18 receptions and three touchdowns. With the Colts set to face the Texans and Manning throwing the ball, any Colt’s receiver always has a shot to score.
Playing the Fantasy GM
Don-Peitro “The GM” Zamboni
Let’s make a Deal
There comes a time in every fantasy season when owners have to make a move to better their team. There is not science or blue-print, sometimes you just have to take chances. The key is minimizing the risk.
The GM Game
With the bye weeks nearing completion fantasy owners will begin jockeying their teams into position for that championship run. Weeks 11-13 are the back stretch and with teams being what they are owners must find ways to improve. A couple of players at the moment that seem to be lost in translation, but could be big power plays down the stretch are wide receiver Terrell Owens and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Time to trade….
At present neither player will command a lot of value in return with both their numbers being significantly down; Owens has one touchdown this season averaging just 12-yards per his 23 catches and T.J just two touchdowns and averages less than 11-yards per catch.
If you have depth at another position and can hold your own at receiver, now could be the best time to make a play and offer a trade for either player. Their value is at a low and with Edwards due to comeback Owens has to become a focal point in the passing game if the Bills are going to press the post season. Houshmandzadeh is more likely to breakout sooner in Seattle, so no better time than the present.
With these two players ranking near the bottom, it would seem that up is the only direction they can go. There’s definitely no guarantee they will breakout of their funk, but you have to like the possibilities. And if they do, they have the potential of being strong plays in the latter weeks.
Other under performing players with diminished value that could warrant such consideration could include Brian Westbrook (Eagles), Clinton Portis (Redskins), and so and so. Remember these are players currently with low value that you might be able to steal away from someone.
Keep checking back for more football....
By David G. Ortega
