Green Light, Yellow Light, Red Light – STOP!!! There are some
appealing names each week on the waiver wire, I supply my weekly take
on whether these players should be considered or not.
QUARTERBACKS
Marc Bulger (STL)
- The first thing the Rams' new head coach Jim Haslett did upon taking the job on Monday was announce that Bulger would return to his role as the team's starting quarterback. After watching Trent Green give it a try, it appears as if Bulger's job security is on the rise. He's not the best option, but can still help add depth and is a decent backup in larger leagues.
Kyle Orton (CHI)
- His numbers have been surpsingly solid so far this year and many owners are hurting with bye week right now. If you need a filler Orton does have a couple of matchups over the next two weeks that are appealing - the Lions and Chiefs. Don't get too exctied though, I wouldn't want to count on him on a weekly basis in my lineup. Make the move if needed.
RUNNING BACKS
Mewelde Moore (MIN)
- This guy was actually a fantasy commodity a couple of years back in Minnesota, but got buried on the depth chart. The same thing happened upon his arrival to Pittsburgh. That changed on Monday night when not one, but two Steelers' running backs went down. With starting RB Willie Parker already out with a sprained knee the team did opt to bring back Najeh Davenport, but it is Moore that will start for now.
Le'Ron McClain (BAL)
- I only gave the yellow light to the Ravens' big bruiser last week, but after watching him continue to be a factor and seeing how out of shape Willis McGahee is, I have assigned the green light to McClain. He's still not starter material (outside of desperation), but certainly has shown enough to put the "worth stashing" tag to. Expect for to continue to be involved in the Ravens' offense, particularly at the goalline.
Cedric Benson (CIN)
- The Bengals desperately turned to Cedric Benson on Tuesday to fill a void in the backfield. The fact that the guy is still a free agent in Week 4 of the NFL season should tell you all that you need to know. There's no doubt that Chris Perry is injury prone, but Benson should not be considered until he proves he can contribute. Longterm I am still expecting Kenny Watson to be the better handcuff.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Bobby Engram
(SEA) - It looks like Engram and teammate Deion Branch are going to return to action for the Seahawks. They both should be looked at as waiver wire options, but I am bigger on Engram, who should immediately emerge as Matt Hasselbeck's target. If he's still available in your league pick him up now and look at him as legitimate No. 3 fantasy wideout.
Arnaz Battle (SF) - Playing in Mike Martz' offense has done wonders for many receivers and there is no doubt Arnaz Battle is starting to show some of this. Still, Battle has never really impressed me and there are still other names out there that have more appeal to me. J.T. O'Sullivan has breathed some life in the offense and its worth keeping an eye on Battle's progress, but he needs another week or two of solid production before I go clearing a roster spot.
Donnie Avery (STL)
- The Rams' speedster showed up on the fantasy radar this week with a 37-yard rushing touchdown on an end-around run and caught 3 balls for the second straight week. It appears as if he start opposite of Torry Holt moving forward. That speaks more to how bad the Rams are rather than Avery's ability. He's going to make a few highlight reels this season, but he's not going to provide much help to your fantasy team.
TIGHT ENDS
Zach Miller (OAK)
- There's no denying Miller's upside and talent and after watching him catch 5 balls for 95 yards and a score in Week 4, fantasy owners are going to be rushing to grab him this week. However, you may want to consider other options for now. Oakland has a bye this week and just fired their head coach, so it may be best to wait and see how things to develop.
c9ae1fbb-d676-45c3-a0b3-86220661ef83|3|5.0
Fantasy Football
marc bulger, kyle orton, mewelde moore, leron mcclain, cedric benson, bobby engram, arnaz battle, donnie avery, zach miller