Week 9 ~ Waiver Wire

Here is my outlook on the free agent market as the majority of league's waiver wire is due within 24 hours.

Although there are slim pickin's, that doesn't mean that they aren't worthy candidates.

Look to this group of players to help fill injury and bye-week fillers.

QUARTERBACK:

Alex Smith: With injury all but behind him, Alex looks to regain some momentum and drive San Fransisco to a late run at the playoffs. I expect that his re-emergence lends growth to Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, and Darrell Jackson.

Kellen Clemens: If for no other reason, because he has Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery as targets, but also because he has the ability to go down field in a way that Pennington's arm wouldn't allow them.

J.P. Losman: So many people dropped him, but Edwards has shown a completel lack of ability to be a consistent winner. I expect Losman back in the line-up before the week ends. He filled in nicely at the end of the Jets game, ultimately leading them to victory.

Brooks Bollinger: If you are in a two quarterback league or there is nothing left and you had Schaub, Delhomme, or maybe even rested on Trent Green... Maybe with the abysmal outlook of the QB situation in the NFL, be it Leinart or Culpepper, Harrington or Chad Pennington, Brooks could be a nice find. He is careful with the ball but has the ability to heave it downfield.

RUNNINGBACKS:

Chris Henry: This rookie has seen the endzone twice in two weeks. He is slowly securing his job as the back-up to LenDale White even when Chris Brown returns from injury. He is a must-hold-on-to if you are in a keeper league.

DeShaun Foster: A yearly, second-half-guy. He had 6 straight games at the end of the season in which he ran for over 100 yards and a TD and I don't expect less, even with Vinny "The Ancient" at the helm.

Kevin Faulk: With Sammy Morris on the sidelines, Kevin is a great filler for bye-weeks and injuries. He should see somewhere between 50 - 75 yards based on how Belicheck uses his running backs. He has the chance to get the most yards in the air as Brady loves to throw screens to Kevin.

Michael Bennett: He got in the end zone last weekend and I expect his role to ever increase as they use Graham more an more to field punts/kick returns. Both are effective on the ground and through the air, but I believe that Bennett has the most upside.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

Chris Henry: The team needs this third receiver almost as much as they need Rudi Johnson back. He is able to practice with the team and should be able to make a run for some points as early as next week. Be a genius and grab' em before anybody else does.

Derrick Mason: Flying under the radar or being dropped for lack of consistency, Derrick Mason is quietly posting 7 - 10 fantasy points a week. If someone was gullible enough to drop 'em, go ahead and grab him. He is not going to be huge, but as a third receiver, he is dependable.

Marty Booker: Besides the spry Nick Hagan, Marty Booker is one of the only one's remaining of the starting offensive roster for the Dolphins. Cleo Lemon relies on Booker to help him in his times of need, and fantasy-wise, maybe you should to.

Reggie Brown: Like all other Eagles WR, it's hit or miss, but this past weekend, he looked dynamic. Maybe between Curtis and Brown, Westbrook and L.J. Smith, we see an offense re-emerge and give McNabb a reason to stop whining and start winning.

Bobby Wade: He is the veteran in this threesome (Williamson, Wade, and Rice). Whether it is Bollinger or whomever, I see Wade starting to play a more important role in this offense, being consistent in the short to mid-range passes.

Deion Branch/D.J. Hackett: Both are back from injury and I expect them both to be used to try and right this Seahawks ship. Branch is the better of the two, but Hackett has speed that cannot be matched. Nate Burleson and Bobby Engram will limit their opportunities, but great pick-ups for the rest of the season.

TIGHT ENDS:

Jeff King: This team is banged up and the player who has been the most consistent, win or loss, is the tight end King. This is unheralded, as the Panthers are known for run-blockers, not receivers in the TE spot. King is consistent enough to plug in over McMichael's, Eric Johnson, or even someone like Bo Scaife and to date, Todd Heap...

Tony Scheffler: As Cutler grows in his position, it is apparent that Scheffler, not Graham, is going to be the receiver of the group. With Rod Smith all but withered away, Javon is gimpy as usual, the beat-up offense of Mike Shanahan is relying on Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokley, and Tony Scheffler to keep the ball moving.

These are my candidates for who is likely there and who will likely be taken if you don't act fast.

Good luck and happy hunting...

Statistocrat