While there are just two teams on a bye this week (Carolina and Dallas), your roster still might be short of a few playmakers at some key positions.
Last week may have taken your starting QB (Ben Roethlisberger), your star running back that you were counting on might not be fully recovered from injury (Doug Martin), or the players that have been carrying you all season have their BYE (Ezekiel Elliot, Greg Olsen) just when you’re facing your arch nemesis in fantasy.Whatever the reason, you came to the right place if you want the scoop on who you need to add to ensure victory this week. We hit on a couple from last week’s column in James White and the Titans D/ST. Let’s see who is destined for fantasy greatness this week.
Worthy Of Your First Waiver Claim:
James White
White is here to stay and I’ll continue to write about him until I think enough of you picked him up. He is not the traditional running back but New England doesn’t run a traditional offense. They love to run two tight end sets more than any other team in the league. They use the short passing game and trust their receivers to gain yards after the catch. You know who that benefits? Receiving backs like James White. While I believe that Sunday against the Bengals was about as high as White will go, he still has value in this offense as a FLEX/RB2 for fantasy purposes.
Cameron Meredith
Since Kevin White has missed time with injury, Cameron Meredith has stepped up big time. He has recorded 243 yards and a touchdown on 20 receptions. Meredith seems to have built a rapport with new starting QB Brian Hoyer and should be added if you need help at WR.
Worthy Of Your Second Waiver Claim:
Hunter Henry
This is especially for those of you Greg Olsen owners this week, but going forward Hunter Henry is a solid option. This week, the Chargers draw the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome. The Falcons have given up five touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season so Henry is a good bet to score. Henry looks to have seized the number 1 tight end role from Antonio Gates and is startable in all leagues this week and beyond.
Torrey Smith
If you want to take a flier on a WR, Torrey Smith is the guy worth a look. He is coming off his best game as a 49er with new QB Colin Kaepernick at the helm. The two connected for a 53-yard TD against the Bills on Sunday contributing to his big day. As long as “Kaeptain Kneel Down” is at quarterback, Torrey Smith and his speed should be able to capitalize.
Bye-Week Fill In QB:
If you’re streaming quarterbacks or your starter is on a bye, and for some reason he’s available, pick up and start Marcus Mariota this week against the lowly Colts defense. Mariota has had one of the easiest schedules in memory and that trend continues with Indy this week followed by the Jaguars and then the Chargers. His running ability makes him a dual threat against just about any defense.
Getting Defensive:
Anyone want to take a stab at who I’m going to suggest here? It should be an easy one. Okay, fine you give up? The Cincinnati Bengals are facing off against the Browns this week. It was the Titans last week, and this week it’s the Bengals that get to feast on the struggling Browns offense. Throw in the fact that Terrelle Pryor may be limited this week due to injury and this matchup becomes even more enticing.
