NFL Waiver Wire: Saints Provide Options

This week seemed incredibly heavy as far as wide receivers go and light in the way of running backs. Marvin Jones had a monster game and likely will be the most sought after wide receiver. You won't find him, and a couple of others, here since they've been discussed the last couple weeks. Keep in mind we have another six teams on bye this week, so be ready to hit the waiver wire once again.

QUARTERBACK

Secondary Options

Jason Campbell, CLE - It's hard to believe that was the Jason Campbell we've come to know Sunday who looked very good in his first start of the season. He was wise enough to use his two top weapons - Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron - as well as utilizing the speedy running backs on dump-offs out of the backfield. He should remain the starter for the rest of the season and is intriguing in leagues that give the option of starting two quarterbacks. FAAB: $4-$8

Case Keenum, HOU - It appears the Matt Schaub era has ended in Houston and the Case Keenum era has begun, at least for now. Keenum was named the starter Monday and it was made clear it had nothing to do with Matt Schaub's health. In a tough game against Kansas City he had 271 passing yards (10.8 YPA) and hit DeAndre Hopkins on a long touchdown. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal as well as a strong running game provided the backs are healthy. FAAB: $4-$8

WIDE RECEIVER

Primary Targets

Aaron Dobson, NE - It appears that Dobson has taken over for Kenbrell Thompkins as Tom Brady's third receiving option. Dobson not only played more snaps than Thompkins but also had more targets, one of which he turned into a touchdown. It's easy to forget after the Thompkins preseason buzz that Dobson was the rookie wide receiver with the better pedigree and athleticism. In an offense featuring a good running game, an elite tight end and a shifty slot receiver, Dobson should be able to take advantage of single/softer coverage. FAAB: $12-$18

Tiquan Underwood, TB - Underwood's three catches for 47 yards last Thursday don't jump off the page at you, but he could double his targets (4) with Mike Williams landing on IR. That means Underwood will line up opposite Vincent Jackson, who defenses will double-team or cheat the safety toward. Arguably the owner of the best hair in the NFL, Underwood had a quiet 425 receiving yards and two touchdowns last season as the Bucs No.3 wide receiver. Also helping his fantasy prospects is that the team has often played from behind, and Mike Glennon has attempted at least 43 passes in all four of his starts. FAAB: $10-$16

Secondary Targets

Kenny Stills, NO - Stills had a nice coming out game Sunday, finishing with 129 receiving yards and two touchdowns. While those are outstanding numbers, I'm not as high as most on him. He has scored two weeks in a row now but only has nine targets over his last three games. With Lance Moore returning and plenty of other viable options in the passing attack it's tough to see consistent production from Stills every week. I'm guessing he's a boom-or-bust play every week - capable of finding the end zone but also capable of three fantasy points or less. FAAB: $6-$10

Lance Moore, NO - Moore finally made it back to the field Sunday and recorded a 15-yard touchdown catch off a skinny post from the slot. However, Moore was only targeted four times (three catches, 34 yards) and is probably the fourth or fifth receiving option for the Saints. That said, he's shown the ability to find the end zone with Drew Brees and has averaged more than seven touchdowns the last three seasons. Between the two Saints receivers, I'd prefer Moore in PPR and Stills in standard formats. FAAB: $6-$10

David Nelson, NYJ - For the second straight week Nelson recorded 80 receiving yards, though this week it came on eight receptions. A huge target (6-foot-5) who thrives playing in the slot, Nelson has seen his targets increase (1, 7, 12) the last three weeks, showing some good chemistry with Geno Smith. The only reason he's not considered a higher waiver candidate is that it's tough to see consistent production from Nelson as the Jets' No. 3 wideout. Still, with another crazy bye week Nelson could fill in nicely if you need wide receiver help. FAAB: $4-$8

Darius Johnson, Drew Davis, ATL - I'm grouping these two since they appear to be in line as the next options at wide receiver after Harry Douglas. Davis had the bigger stat line Sunday (five passes, 77 yards and a touchdown) than Johnson (four catches, 40 yards), but it was Johnson who had the advantage target-wise (nine to seven). Both are worth a gamble provided the Falcons bring Roddy White back slowly and he remains out. FAAB: $4-$8

Hail Mary

Myles White, GB - White is an undrafted rookie out of Louisiana Tech who finds himself as the Packers third wide receiver with all the injuries the team has sustained. He comes onto the fantasy radar after his five-catch, 35-yard performance against Minnesota on Sunday night. White is in a great position with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, one of the few players who can elevate someone from obscurity to being a relevant fantasy play (see Jarrett Boykin). White's value relies solely on the health of James Jones; once Jones is back White will go back to the bench. FAAB: $1 or FCFS

RUNNING BACK

Secondary Targets

James Starks, GB - Starks returned from a three-game absence to take advantage of a worn down defense to the tune of 57 rushing yards and a touchdown. His production came late in the game with the Packers comfortable in front, and Eddie Lacy will still be the prime ball carrier in Green Bay. Still, Starks ran good enough and should be in line for about five touches a week, depending on the game situation. FAAB: $4-$8

Hail Mary

Deji Karim, Dennis Johnson, HOU - We mentioned Ray Graham last week with the injuries to Arian Foster and Ben Tate, and now the Texans will add all three to their active roster. Johnson comes from the Brown's practice squad and Karim was signed after spending three seasons in Jacksonville. It would only take a missed game from Foster or Tate for one of these three to have a role in the running attack. We may find out more about the running-back situation as the week goes on, and if I had to take a chance on one of the three, I'd grab Graham. FAAB: $1 or FCFS

TIGHT END

Hail Mary

Anthony Fasano, KC - Fasano has done little in the two games for the Chiefs (six catches, 41 yards) but has more upside than teammate Sean McGrath. What caught my eye is that Fasano has three red-zone targets over those two games. Alex Smith barely overthrew him when he was wide open in the end zone, and the Chiefs will hit him one of these weeks on a play-action play. FAAB: $1 or FCFS

DEFENSE

Primary Target

Oakland Raiders - This recommendation is based on the assumption that Matt Barkley and not Nick Foles will be under center Sunday. Barkley has been a turnover machine, and the Raiders much better defensively Sunday against the Steelers with five sacks and two interceptions. FAAB: $6-$8