Waiver Wire Pickups and The Dump List for Week 8

Pickups

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, BUF - It kills me to say this as a Bills fan, but Fitzpatrick is the read deal.  I only mean this for fantasy purposes, but finally all the weapons that the Bills offense are able to be used.  Even with the rough match ups on the horizon I am not concerned about Fitz’s value.  If he was able to move the ball that effectively against the Ravens, he should be good for double digit points in just about any game they have.

LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB - If you keep reading Cadillac Williams is on the Dump List because if the number of carries each got.  Blount got 11 carries and averaged over 6 yards per carry to total 72 yards.  Williams on the other hand had just 4 carries for 12 yards.  A few weeks ago Blount made this list because it looked as if he was going to receive the goal line carries and since he now looks to be the lead guy, then he has a chance to be a top 20 back for the 2nd half of the season.

Mike Williams, WR, SEA - The other Mike Williams has been great for the past two weeks with the departure of Deion Branch from the Seattle offense.  In these two games Williams has had double digit receptions and at least 15 targets in each game.  He is shaping up to be a solid flex play or bye-week fill-in.

Lee Evans, WR, BUF - I had some questions come in about Evans this week and my response was always “he will have some good games and he will score some TDs, but it will be random and their schedule is terrible from here on out.”  All season long, there has not been a team to move the ball down the field at will against the Ravens like the Bills did on Sunday.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is demonstrating the ability to captain this offense and put points on the board regardless of the quality of opposing defense.  Evans may or may not have been dropped before their Bye week, but he sure needs to be owned now as he is by far the most talented receiver on the Bills.

Steve Johnson, WR, BUF – Even though he is not that physically gifted, or exceptionally talented, he is getting open and catching the ball… We just can’t ignore this guy as a fluke anymore!  I would still rather start Lee Evans, but with opposing defenses paying so much more attention to him this could change if Evans is unable to demonstrate consistency in the next couple of weeks.

David Gettis, WR, CAR - So, to be honest… I am not going to look to add Gettis to my team after only one good week, but if your team is pretty well off and you have some expendable roster spots, the Panthers have been DYING for a solid WR2 and if he can provide and consistency opposite Smith then he will maintain value for the rest of the season.  It is worth noting that Brandon LaFell also had a good game, but it sure looked like Moore had better chemistry with Gettis. Before this week, I thought that the Panthers would rebound and their offensive players would regain some of the value we thought they would have in the preseason.  So after a win, you should keep an eye on them.

Dump List

Robert Meachem, WR, NO – Given the unpredictable nature of the Saints receivers last year, I really don’t want any part in these guys while they are struggling.

Lance Moore, WR, NO – See Robert Meachem.

Brandon Tate, WR, NE - Welker is struggling, Branch saw a decent number of targets last week. there is too much risk in the unknown here and if you can get and of the guys listed above, then don’t feel bad about dumping Tate.

Jason Avant, WR, PHI - Well, after the bye week DeSean Jackson will make his return and Avant will be back to his usual slot role.  The Eagles also look to Riley Cooper in some passing situations, but with no consistent production from either guy when Vick was starting before… there is no reason to expect it when he takes his starting job back in 2 weeks.

Carnell Williams, RB, TB – He looks to be taking over the role of run blocker and 3rd down back, so unless you are in a PPR format… it appears as if Cadillac is dead to fantasy owners.

Mike Thomas, WR, JAC - I don’t trust any WR for the Jaguars. Run as far as possible from Thomas and Sims-Walker.