In this weekly series, I will highlight players that are speculative adds in deeper dynasty leagues, since the majority of players often covered in typical waiver wire columns have long been rostered.
No matter how deep your league is or how large the rosters, you should always keep a watch list of players you are considering adding, should the opportunity present itself. The group of names below will help you form that list.
All players mentioned will be owned in less than 20 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues. I will note that the data presented is based on all Yahoo leagues, not just those designated as keeper or dynasty.
First, let’s look back at last week’s Waiver Wired suggestions that gained value, with current Yahoo ownership percentages and percentage change in parentheses.
Lorenzo Taliaferro, BAL (39%/+32%)
Eddie Royal, SD (22%/+18%)
Jordan Matthews, PHI (35%/+17%)
Allen Robinson, JAX (18%/+16%)
Blake Bortles, JAX (18%/+12%)
Teddy Bridgewater, MIN (13%/+9%)
Isaiah Crowell, CLE (24%/+6%)
John Brown, ARZ (13%/+5%)
Malcom Floyd, SD (22%/+5%)
Mike Glennon, TB (4%/+3%)
Roy Helu, WAS (7%/+2%)
Austin Davis, STL (2%/+1%)
UPDATE: After he looked like the new Ravens starting running back, it’s no surprise to see rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro on the rise. While Justin Forsett looks to have reclaimed the job for now, Taliaferro should maintain a role in that offense and remains a solid dynasty stash. Big games in Week Three made receivers Eddie Royal and Jordan Matthews two of the biggest risers and the Royal pickup paid off as he scored two more touchdowns in Week Four. Dynasty owners also were adding rookie quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater in anticipation of their first career starts.
While these players are on the rise, some of last week’s suggestions lost value over the past week.
Jerick McKinnon, MIN (16%/-3%)
James Starks, GB (12%/-2%)
Kenny Britt, STL (7%/-2%)
Jonathan Grimes, HOU (1%/-1%)
Jared Cook, STL (16%/-1%)
Derek Carrier, SF (1%/-1%)
UPDATE: If you saw the Vikings/Falcons Week Four matchup, you’re probably surprised to see rookie running back Jerick McKinnon as one of the fallers, but remember he got only a few touches in Week Three. More on him later though.
Quarterbacks
1. Blake Bortles, JAX (18%)
2. Teddy Bridgewater, MIN (13%)
3. Zach Mettenberger, TEN (0%)
4. Mike Glennon, TB (4%)
5. Matt Schaub/Matt McGloin, OAK (0%)
o The first NFL start for Jaguars’ rookie Blake Bortles went as expected. The Chargers blew out the Jags and Bortles was asked to throw the ball often, a game script that will often be repeated through the remaining games this year. Bortles has finished just outside of QB1 range in each of the two games he’s played and is a nice backup quarterback in any dynasty league.
o Fellow first round NFL Draft pick Teddy Bridgewater also made his first start this week. Not only did he lead his team to a big win over the Falcons, but he also finished among the top ten fantasy quarterbacks on the week. He did suffer an ankle injury late in the game.
o Another rookie quarterback making his debut in Week Four was the Titans’ Zach Mettenberger, who came in to relieve Charlie Whitehurst in a blowout loss to the Colts. Mettenberger did not fare well, completing just two of five passes, including an interception. With starter Jake Locker injured yet again and Whitehurst playing poorly as well, the rookie from LSU could get an extended look later this season. Locker’s contract will end at the conclusion of the 2014 season, so there’s an outside chance Mettenberger could be the 2015 starter.
o With Josh McCown injured and out for an extended period, second year quarterback Mike Glennon stepped in and led the team to an upset victory over the Steelers. Glennon, who started much of the 2013 season, finished as QB14 on the week, but has shown that he’s not afraid to take deep shots, which should benefit Vincent Jackson.
o Things continue to get worse for the 0-4 Oakland Raiders, who looked bad yet again in a loss to the Miami Dolphins. Adding injury to the insult, rookie starter Derek Carr suffered a high-ankle sprain as well as a sprained MCL, which will keep him out of action for the next several weeks. It’s unclear which of the Matts- Schaub or McGloin, might replace Carr, but the winner of the job will have some value in 2QB leagues or very deep dynasty leagues.
Running Backs
1. Jerick McKinnon, MIN (16%)
2. Branden Oliver, SD (3%)
3. Roy Helu, WAS (7%)
4. Antone Smith, ATL (3%)
5. Darrin Reaves, CAR (1%)
o The breakout performance of the week came in Minnesota and it wasn’t just Bridgewater. Fellow rookie Jerick McKinnon had 19 touches for over 150 yards in his first chance for extended playing time. McKinnon showed flashes of his ability and while the coaching staff claims that he will remain a change of pace back, he is clearly a more explosive playmaker than current starter Matt Asiata.
o This week was a big chance for Chargers’ back Donald Brown, considering both Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead are out of action. Rather than take advantage of the chance though, Brown struggled with less than two yards per carry. Rookie Branden Oliver didn’t fare much better with 23 yards on 9 carries, but he was involved in the passing game, adding seven fantasy points as a receiver. Until Mathews returns, Oliver could be on track to see additional touches and make a decent stash in PPR leagues.
o Redskins’ veteran Roy Helu continues to perform well when given touches in relief of starter Alfred Morris. While Helu was not a factor in the running game, he did lead the team in receiving, catching five passes for 78 yards, aided by the fact that the Redskins fell behind early. Helu makes a decent RB3 in games the Redskins are expected to lose.
o It’s time to stop ignoring Falcons running back Antone Smith, who is currently an RB2 in PPR scoring. Smith led the team in rushing on only four carries and has become infamous for long touchdown runs. Smith has now scored in three of four games and has also scored double digit fantasy points in three games, easily outpacing starter Steven Jackson and rookie Devonta Freeman in fantasy points on the season.
o The Carolina Panthers are getting desperate at running back, which could benefit rookie Darrin Reaves. With top two backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart both out with injuries, Reaves led the team in carries, though he rushed for just 26 yards on 12 carries. Reaves also caught three passes for 11 yards. Even if Reaves gets the start in Week Five, he’s a desperation play.
Wide Receivers
1. Davante Adams, GB (5%)
2. Allen Robinson, JAX (18%)
3. Marvin Jones, CIN (15%)
4. Jarius Wright, MIN (1%)
5. Odell Beckham, Jr. NYG (2%)
6. Jarvis Landry, MIA (2%)
7. Andre Holmes, OAK (3%)
o You’ll notice a plethora of rookies making this list and the wide receiver group is headlined by Davante Adams of the Packers. With Jarrett Boykin out with an injury, Adams took over as the third wide receiver for the Packers and would have had a nice fantasy day if not for a touchdown being called back due to holding. In the Packers’ passing offense, Adams is well worth a roster spot.
o Another rookie receiver, Allen Robinson of the Jaguars was a bit of a disappointment, catching five passes for 38 yards. Robinson still has the ability to quickly become the team’s top receiving threat and should form an excellent duo with Bortles.
o The Bengals were on bye in Week Four, but receiver Marvin Jones is another week closer to returning and should immediately take over the starting job alongside A.J. Green. Go ahead and grab him off your waiver wire now before he has a big game in his return.
o Speaking of big games, Jarius Wright was the main beneficiary of new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as Wright was targeted ten times, catching eight for 132 yards. While Greg Jennings and Cordarrelle Patterson remain the top fantasy options in Minnesota, Wright has himself on the radar of dynasty owners thanks to the quick bond formed with his new quarterbacks.
o Like Jones, Odell Beckham, Jr. has yet to take the field this year, but is nearing his return and is now practicing. While the Giants’ offense is showing great improvement the past couple of weeks, there is still opportunity for growth, especially after top receiver Victor Cruz and breakout tight end Larry Donnell. Beckham should get a chance to challenge Rueben Randle for snaps at the second receiver spot.
o The Dolphins looked like a different team this week, which may or may not have something to do with their opponent, the Oakland Raiders. Nonetheless, rookie receiver Jarvis Landry has shown improvement each week and caught four balls for 38 yards. Landry is likely not going to be a starting level fantasy option this season, but has shown some upside, making him worthy of a stash in deep dynasty leagues.
o In that same Miami/Oakland game, Raiders receiver Andre Holmes also showed why he could be worth a roster stash. With Rod Streater still nursing a foot injury, Holmes stepped up, totaling five receptions for 74 yards and a score. There are reports Streater could miss the entire season with his injury, meaning Holmes would likely maintain his starting role.
Tight Ends
1. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TB (1%)
2. Eric Ebron, DET (8%)
3. Richard Rodgers, GB (1%)
4. Garrett Graham, HOU (19%)
o Rookie tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins was back in action last week after missing the past two games. He pulled in three catches for 44 yards and with receiver Mike Evans expected to miss the next few weeks after injuring his groin, ASJ could see his opportunities increase.
o Lions’ tight end Eric Ebron continued his up and down production. Ebron is on an every other week production plan early on this season and he caught his first touchdown in Week Four. The Lions will always be a pass first offense and Ebron should continue to be a prime target in that offense.
o Expectations were high for Packers’ rookie Richard Rodgers, who earned the starting tight end job coming out of camp. Instead, he didn’t even catch a pass in the season’s first three weeks. That changed in Week Four as Rodgers caught two passes for 52 yards. Rodgers will always be behind Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, but could gain the trust of quarterback Aaron Rodgers with more games like Week Four.
o With so many injuries at the tight end position this year, some dynasty owners are getting desperate to even field a starter. One option that could be grabbed from the waiver wire and started is Texans’ tight end Garrett Graham. Graham missed Week One, but has been a low level TE2 over the past three weeks. This is not a move that will save your season, but if you’re still dealing with an injury to starters like Jordan Reed, Tyler Eifert or Dennis Pitta, Graham could be a short term Band-Aid.
