Week Two showed us just how unpredictable the NFL is, and just how inconsistent performances can be. For this reason, bench depth is vital, and making moves is even more vital. Don't sit on your hands and miss out on that key player, who can help you down the stretch. Some may have an impact, and some may not, but engage, and get to that waiver wire. With that said, here are some key players that may reside on your waiver wire:

QB
Matt Cassel, KC - He went undrafted in many leagues, including a fair amount of 12-team leagues. But his matchup this week is too good to pass up going against the New Orleans defense which coughs up points to everyone.

Kevin Kolb, ARI - Much like Cassel, Kolb went mostly undrafted but now finds himself under center for one of 6 undefeated teams in the NFL. His stats are less than stellar with only 2 passing TDs (and one rushing TD), but for depth, he's still better than a Brandon Weeden-type of QB3.

RB
Andre Brown, NYG - Ahmad Bradshaw got hurt and Brown stepped in and put up good fantasy numbers. Bradshaw is questionable for Week 3, and if he doesn't play I like Brown as a fringe starter/flex.

Mikel Leshoure, DET - The team welcomed him back from his two-week suspension on Monday. While Leshoure doesn’t help much in the passing game, many expect him to have a big role right out of the gate for the Lions. It’s worth grabbing to see how things unfold, but it may be risky putting him your lineup right out of the gate.

WR
Mohammed Massaquoi, CLE - Massaquoi, not Greg Little is proving to be the go to receiver in Cleveland. That's still not a juggernaut position from a fantasy perspective but he does 15 targets over the first two weeks. I like Massaquoi the most amongst the Cleveland receivers at this point although he's still not a starter, until I see more from Brandon Weeden against actual defenses, instead of the Bengals.

Donnie Avery, IND - With Austin Collie out, Andrew Luck has targeted Avery 18 times thus far. He's a sneaky type of player in fantasy, and always has been. In deep leagues, you could do worse at WR3 or flex than Avery, but don't expect him to carry you to victory.

TE
Dante Rosario, SD - I'm putting Rosario on this list out of obligation only. He had 3 touchdowns last week and that can't be overlooked. But, if you expect anything close to that type of performance again from Rosario, you're setting yourself up for disappointment.

Kellen Winslow, NE - Aaron Hernandez is out for several weeks with an ankle injury and the Patriots have signed Winslow to fill their need in their 2-TE set. That will move all the focus to Gronk, and leave Winslow forgotten. I'd take a wait and see approach on Winslow at this point, but with his receiving abilities, he could be a great grab for fantasy owners in this offense. Do it now, before he goes off, especially if you have endless waiver moves.

Honorable mention (put on your watch list, but don't grab yet): Curtis Brinkley, RB SD

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, waiver wire, week 3, matt cassel, kevin kolb, andre brown, mikel leshoure, donnie avery, dante rosario, kellen winslow

Get your free football picks againt the spread and live football odds from our friends at Doc's Sports.

QB Game Ball – Aaron Rodgers, GB – 25/37 for 404 PaYd, 4 PaTD’s
A week after sitting out with a concussion, Rodgers returned to the lineup with a bang to reward fantasy owners that were fortunate enough to advance without him in Week 15. He torched the Giants’ D to the tune his best fantasy output of the season.

QB Honorable Mention – Josh Freeman, TB – 21/26 for 237 PaYd, 5 PaTD’s (The Bucs’ signal caller threw as many touchdowns as he did incompletions).

RB Game Ball – Jamal Charles, KC – 13 carries, 77 RuYd; 4 receptions, 40 ReYd, 2 ReTD’s
For the second straight season Charles has provided a nice fantasy playoff push for his owners. He averaged nearly six yards per carry while tallying 117 total yards and finding his way to the end zone twice on Championship Sunday. He is easily a top 10 pick in fantasy leagues in 2011.

RB Honorable Mention – Matt Forte, CHI – 19 carries, 113 RuYd, RuTD; 4 receptions for 56 yards (He had surprising production against stellar Jets’ rush D).

WR Game Ball – Jerome Simpson, CIN – 6 receptions, 124 ReYd, 2 ReTD’s
To say that Simpson had a career day is a gross understatement. The third-year wideout entered the game with exactly three career catches. With that in mind Simpson was not owned in nearly any fantasy leagues, much less in anybody’s lineup.

WR Honorable Mention – Dwayne Bowe, KC – 6 receptions, 153 ReYd, ReTD (Bowe scored his 15th touchdown in a nice bounce back game after a rough few weeks).

TE Game Ball – Kellen Winslow, TB – 7 receptions, 98 ReYd, 2 ReTD’s
Winslow only scored three touchdowns all year, but made two trips to the end zone in Week 16 as the Bucs passing game had its way versus the Seahawks.  His 98-yard output is also his best effort of the season and the seven receptions ties his year’s best mark.

TE Honorable Mention – Rob Gronkowski, NE – 4 receptions, 54 ReYd, 2 ReTD’s (Gronkowski benefited from Hernandez sitting out of the Pats’ tilt in Buffalo).

GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Larry Fitzgerald, ARZ – 1 reception, 26 ReYd, 0 TD’s
It’s hard to get catches when you don’t get targets. Cardinals’ rookie John Skelton didn’t provide him his first target until after intermission and his first catch didn’t come until after the game’s final two-minute warning. It snapped a 97-game streak of games with multiple receptions that Fitzgerald was working on.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention – Michael Turner, ATL – 17 carries, 48 RuYD, 1 FL (what a nightmare night Turner had, highlighted by his goalline fumble and pedestrian 2.8 yards per carry).

Fantasy Football, NFL aaron rodgers, josh freeman, jamal charles, matt forte, jerome simpson, dwayne bowe, kellen winslow, rob gronkowski, larry fitzgerald, michael turner

QB Game Ball - Kyle Orton, Denver - 35/48, 330 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
The Broncos are now 5-0 with their new QB at the helm. Sure, a soft schedule, good defense and a few freaky plays have helped, but today Orton led his team to the a game winning field goal in overtime. Oh, and it was against the Patriots! Orton may never be Tom Brady or even Jay Cutler, but he's leading his team to victory and sometimes that is all that counts.

QB Honorable Mention - Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle - 241 yards, 4 TD (if he could stay healthy, the Seahawks may have a good year.)

RB Game Ball - Cedric Benson, Cincinnati - 27 carries, 120 yards, 1 TD
While those numbers are not exactly huge, the fact that Benson was running against the Ravens is significant. It has been a few years since Baltimore has allowed anyone to reach triple digits on the ground. The Bengals were persistent, however, and Benson's performance today and through the first five games are a big reason Cincinnati is in first place.

RB Honorable Mention - Michael Turner - 97 yards, 3 TD (a nice game for all the Falcons against what has been a good 49ers D.)

WR Game Ball - Miles Austin, Dallas - 10 catches, 250 yards, 2 TD
After grabbing just five balls in the first four games, Austin had a monstrous day in Kansas City. His biggest catch was the last play of the game - a 60-yard TD in overtime.

WR Honorable Mention - Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia - 6 catches, 142 yards, 2 TD (a coming-out party for the rookie.)

TE Game Ball - Kellen Winslow, Tampa Bay - 9 catches, 102 yards, 2 TD
Winslow left Cleveland in search of greener pastures. Unfortunately for him he ended up in Tampa. But he did play well with new QB Josh Johnson giving the Bucs some hope for the future.

TE Honorable Mention - Heath Miller, Pittsburgh - 5 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD (that's 29 grabs in five games.

Game Used Sock Award - Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville - 12 carries, 34 yards, 5 catches, 23 yards
Just when everyone thought the Jags were coming to life, they go and lay an egg in Seattle. A team that has been known in recent years for running the ball and playing solid defense did not do either on Sunday. As for MJD, he has just one good game this year and that came against the Texans. He had just 14 yards on the ground against a tough Titans D last week and followed that up with 34 against the Seahawks - ugh! He may do better next week against the Rams but don't bet on it. The only thing for sure is he is flying home tonight with a stinky sock.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Anyone who watched the Browns beat the Bills 6 to 3.

Fantasy Football, NFL kyle orton, cedric benson, miles austin, kellen winslow, maurice jones-drew

from TBO.com:

The Buccaneers acquired Kellen Winslow, 25, a Pro Bowl tight end with Cleveland, after trading what is believed to be this year's second-round pick plus other undisclosed picks to the Browns.

Winslow signed a six-year, $40 million contract with Cleveland in 2005, but it is believed Tampa Bay is working on a new deal.

The Bucs were able to acquire an elite pass-catching tight end to help whoever might eventually quarterback Tampa Bay.

In 2007, Winslow caught 82 passes for 1,106 yards and five yards and was named to the Pro Bowl that season. He averaged 13.5 yards per catch that season and led all NFL tight ends when he posted 17 receptions of 20 or more yards.

COMPLETE ARTICLE

NFL buccaneers, browns, kellen winslow

Here are some injuries that fantasy owners will want to keep their eyes on for Week 14:

QUARTERBACKS
Ben Roethlisberger (knee) - no limitations in practice on FRI
Matt Schaub (knee) - probable and expected to start at GB
Matt Hasselbeck (back) - doubtufl; Seneca Wallace likely to start

RUNNING BACKS
Marion Barber (toe) - missed third straight practice; not looking good
Joseph Addai (knee) - added to report on FRI; a game-time decision
Clinton Portis (knee/back) - game-time decision; doesn't play until 8:15
Steven Jackson (quadriceps) - probable; could see increased work
Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) - expected to start vs. NYG
Marshawn Lynch (back) - ready to face MIA; listed as probable
Ryan Grant (thumb) - should see "normal workload" according to coach
Willis McGahee (illness) - returned to practice FRI
Kevin Smith (shoulder) - limited in practice, but probable vs. MIN
Deuce McAllister (suspension) - will be active, but behind P. Thomas

WIDE RECEIVERS
Anquan Boldin (back) - set to start on SUN vs. STL
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - questionable, yet he should go vs. SF
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - practiced w/out limitations on FRI
Anthony Gonzalez (shoulder) - late addition to injury report
Mark Bradley (calf) - has been ruled out for Week 14
Koren Robinson (knee) - will start vs. NE, but not a great play

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow (ankle) - ruled out w/high-ankle sprain

DEFENSIVE LINE
Kevin Williams (suspension) - expected to play on SUN vs. DET
Pat Williams (suspension) - expected to play on SUN vs. DET
Gaines Adams (knee) - questionable for MON night vs. CAR
Adewale Ogunleye (shoulder) - status unclear for Week 14
Fred Robbins (shoulder) - Counting on him to return vs. PHI

LINEBACKERS
London Fletcher (foot) - did not practice FRI; questionable
D.J. Williams (groin) - not expected to play vs. KC
Gary Bracket (fibula) - out for Week 14 vs. CIN

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Bob Sanders (knee) - returned to full practice FRI; questionable
Champ Bailey (groin) - not expected to play vs. KC
Cortland Finnegan (hamstring)- expected to play vs. CLE
Nate Clements (thumb) - questionable following minor surgery
Nick Harper (ankle) - returned to limit practice on FRI; should play

LATEST PLAYER NEWS (KFFL.com)

Fantasy Football injury report, ben roethlisberger, matt schaub, matt hasselbeck, marion barber, joseph addai, clinton portis, steven jackson, brian westbrook, marshawn lynch, ryan grant, willis mcgahee, kevin smith, deuce mcallister, anquan boldin, laveranues coles, derrick mason, anthony gonzalez, mark bradley, koren robinson, kellen winslow, kevin williams, pat williams, gaines adams, adewale ogunleye, fred robbins, london fletcher, d.j. williams, gary bracket, bob sanders, champ bailey, cortland finnegan, nate clements, nick harper

First it was starting quarterback Brady Quinn headed to I.R., and now former starter Derek Anderson is going to join him after learning that he suffered a MCL sprain in Sunday's loss to the Colts. The Browns said he will wear a brace and is expected to recover in four to six weeks, but that will do Cleveland no good.

The injury leaves Ken Dorsey as the team's starter for the remainder of the season. He hasn't completed a pass in the NFL since 2005. He did have a run as the 49ers' starter in 2004-05, but after a 2-8 mark he's been relegated to holding the clipboard since.

To further worsen matters Dorsey will be without one of his top targets and former University of Miami teammate Kellen Winslow as the Browns prepare for their Week 14 match-up vs. the Tennessee Titans. An MRI showed Winslow suffered a high left ankle sprain against the Colts and will miss the Titans game. He'll wear a boot for up to a week. 

Signed to a three-year, $24 million contract on Feb. 29, Anderson now carries a 13-14 record for Cleveland over three seasons. This year, he completed 50.2 percent of his passes for 1,165 yards and nine touchdowns with eight interceptions and a 66.5 rating. He was sacked 14 times, his same total for 16 games a year ago.

It will be interesting to see how all of this unfolds in the off-season, but it is highly unlikely that Anderson will return to the Browns. If the team can not trade him, don't be surprised to see them release him. 

NFL browns, derek anderson, brady quinn, ken dorsey, kellen winslow

Here are some injuries from Sunday to keep your eyes on:

QUARTERBACKS
Derek Anderson, Cleveland Browns - knee - Likely out for the season
Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills - groin - Status unknown

RUNNING BACKS
Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers - thumb - Status unknown

WIDE RECEIVERS
Malcom Floyd, San Diego Chargers - shoulder - Status unknown
Wes Welker, New England Patriots - undisclosed - Status unknown

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns - ankle - Status unknown

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Richie Incognito, St. Louis Rams - illness - Status unknown
Justin Smiley, Miami Dolphins - ankle - Undergoing an MRI Monday, Dec. 1

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Dusty Dvoracek, Chicago Bears - arm - Status unknown
Jovan Haye, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - knee - Status unknown

LINEBACKERS
Patrick Willis, San Francisco 39ers - hand - Status unknown
Marques Harris, San Diego Chargers - hamstring - Status unknown
Gary Brackett, Indianapolis Colts - leg - Status unknown

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Steve Gregory, San Diego Chargers - stinger - Status unknown
Clinton Hart, San Diego Chargers - stinger - Status unknown

Fantasy Football, NFL injury report, derek anderson, trent edwards, ryan grant, malcom floyd, wes welker, kellen winslow, richie incognito, justin smiley, dusty dvoracek, jovan haye, patrick willis, marques harris, gary brackett, steve gregory, clinton hart

Let's take a look at some injuries to keep your eyes on heading into Sunday's action:

QUARTERBACKS
David Garrard (back) - looks good to go for Monday night
Matt Schaub (knee) - making progress; could play Monday
Marc Bulger (concussion) - expected to start vs. Mia

RUNNING BACKS
Brandon Jacobs (knee) - listed as questionable, but expected to start
Steven Jackson (quad) - barring setback he should be active vs. Mia
Reggie Bush (knee) - expected to get 18-20 touches vs. TB
Willie Parker (knee) - back-to-back full practices; questionable
Clinton Portis (knee) - 50/50 shot of playing; look for him to go
Steve Slaton (chest) - practiced fully on Friday; safe to play
Jonathan Stewart (heel) - no limitations in Friday's practice
Selvin Young (groin) - going to be a game-time decision; not 100%
LeRon McClain (ankle) - limited on Friday, but is probable

WIDE RECEIVERS
Greg Jennings (ribs) - returned to full practice FRI; probable
Roddy White (back) - listed as questionable; should start
TJ Houshmandzadeh (back) - practiced FRI and will start vs. Bal
Plaxico Burress (hamstring) - will not play vs. WAS
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - appears to be a go vs. DEN
Eddie Royal (toe) - listed as questionable; expected to play
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - listed as probable; should start
Mark Bradley (calf) - officially a game-time decision
Josh Morgan (groin) - practiced FRI, but still questionable

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow (shoulder) - questionable vs. Ind
Zach Miller (groin) - limited all week, but likely to go

Fantasy Football david garrard, matt schaub, marc bulger, brandon jacobs, steven jackson, reggie bush, willie parker, clinton portis, steve slaton, jonathan stewart, selvin young, leron mcclain, greg jennings, roddy white, tj houshmandzadeh, plaxico burress, laveranues coles, eddie royal, derrick mason, mark bradley, josh morgan, kellen winslow, zach miller

Here is our Line-Up Locks for Week 13. Three games on turkey day and they could all be turkeys, especially the afternoon games. This means that's there good match ups and good reason to watch football closely on Thanksgiving. Here's a quick look at those who has favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Tony Romo vs. Sea
My take: Romo will likely be munching on one of those freakish 8 leg turkeys Fox serves after the game. Romo will have a fantastic statline against a miserable Seahawk team.

--Brett Favre vs. Den
My take: The Jets are hot and are being led by Favre. Champ Bailey might play, but don't expect that to hinder Favre's numbers who will shred a terrible Bronco defense and connect for at least two TDs.

--Matt Ryan @ SD
My take: This just in, the Chargers cannot stop the pass. The strong Falcon's running game does hurt Ryan's statline, a little, but it also means less blitzing and more open receivers. Ryan will throw two TDs this week.

Lock Out:
--Matt Cassell vs. Pit
My take: Cassell has been an absolute stud the last two weeks. He makes for a tough choice of whether to start him or not, but this week it's such a tough match up that Cassell should take a seat on the bench this week.

--Donovan McNabb vs. Ari
My take: The late night Thanksgiving Day game could be a real turkey for the Eagles quarterback. He was benched last week after yet another terrible performance. He's desperate and angry and has an inept offense, that spells trouble.

--Tyler Thigpen @ Oak
My take: Thigpen has been pleasantly surprising, throwing for multiple TDs in multiple games. However, this week he goes against a very underrated Raider defense.


RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Chris Johnson/Lendale White @ Det
My take: Football on Thanksgiving is a great tradition, but Titans versus the Lions is not good football, unless you own the Titan running backs. Lendale White only touched the ball three times in Sunday's loss, and he complained, look for the Titan TD machine to remedy the situation while Johnson will rack up the yardage.

--Ronnie Brown @ StL
My take: The Dolphins are still stinging from the beatdown the Patriots gave them. They will get well and Ronnie Brown will rack up the stats versus the Rams.

--Michael Turner @ SD
My take: Turner is a fantasy stud and has made the surprising Falcons a dangerous team. In this match up, you cannot sit Turner.

Fantasy Football tony romo, brett favre, matt ryan, matt cassell, donovan mcnabb, tyler thigpen, chris johnson, lendale white, ronnie brown, michael turner, reggie bush, willie parker, larry johnson, anquan boldin, larry fitzgerald, roddy white, derrick mason, tj houshmandzadeh, marques colston, plaxico burress, dustin keller, jason witten, dallas clark, kellen winslow, owen daniels, heath miller

Here is our Line-Up Locks for Week 11. Bye weeks are finally over and this week's games have a lot of great match ups. I only list three, but there are plenty of good options this week. Here's a quick look at those who have favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Matt Ryan vs. Den
My take: Ryan has performed like a veteran for the very underrated Atlanta Falcons. This week his match up is so good, you have to consider Ryan a top 10 QB this week. Expect a couple of scores and at least 200 yards from him.

--Donovan McNabb @ Cin
My take: McNabb should have time to shred the Bengals defense, and can still scramble away from any pressure the defense might put on him.

--Trent Edwards vs. Cle
My take: Edwards has been hot and cold but is poised for a very nice week in what could be an offensive shootout.

Fantasy Football matt ryan, donovan mcnabb, trent edwards, chad pennington, eli manning, david garrard, deangelo williams, tim hightower, marshawn lynch, maurice jones-drew, earnest graham, justin fargas, santana moss, steve smith, roddy white, vincent jackson, bernard berrian, marvin harrison, chris cooley, owen daniels, kellen winslow, greg olsen, todd heap, kevin boss