This article is part of our NFL Waiver Wire series.
This column is geared toward "standard" 12-team leagues and based upon a $100 free-agent budget. Please, please adjust for your league based on both the number of teams (I'm in a 24-team league, for example) and budget. This column will run every Tuesday to, hopefully, accommodate the various waiver schedules. I'll update it in the comments section during the week; please keep in mind a lot can change from Tuesday to Sunday.
QUARTERBACK
Primary Targets
Colin Kaepernick, SF - For some odd reason Kaepernick is only owned in 24 percent of all Yahoo leagues. That number is probably a little inflated considering there are plenty of two-quarterback leagues, so if you're in a league that only starts one he's probably available. Kaepernick has finished second, ninth, sixth and ninth among fantasy quarterbacks the last four weeks, showing his effectiveness in the Chip Kelly offense. The key for Kaepernick is his legs, as he's averaging 62 rushing yards per game and has a rushing score, as well. It also helps that his defense gives up plenty of points, forcing him to run a lot of hurry-up offense in the second half of games and to throw a lot. FAAB: $15-$20
RUNNING BACK
Secondary Targets
Derrick Henry, TEN - The free-agent market for running backs is slim pickings this week, but Henry makes the list after carrying eight times for 60 yards and a score Sunday. He's the type of back who can wear down a defense at this point
This column is geared toward "standard" 12-team leagues and based upon a $100 free-agent budget. Please, please adjust for your league based on both the number of teams (I'm in a 24-team league, for example) and budget. This column will run every Tuesday to, hopefully, accommodate the various waiver schedules. I'll update it in the comments section during the week; please keep in mind a lot can change from Tuesday to Sunday.
QUARTERBACK
Primary Targets
Colin Kaepernick, SF - For some odd reason Kaepernick is only owned in 24 percent of all Yahoo leagues. That number is probably a little inflated considering there are plenty of two-quarterback leagues, so if you're in a league that only starts one he's probably available. Kaepernick has finished second, ninth, sixth and ninth among fantasy quarterbacks the last four weeks, showing his effectiveness in the Chip Kelly offense. The key for Kaepernick is his legs, as he's averaging 62 rushing yards per game and has a rushing score, as well. It also helps that his defense gives up plenty of points, forcing him to run a lot of hurry-up offense in the second half of games and to throw a lot. FAAB: $15-$20
RUNNING BACK
Secondary Targets
Derrick Henry, TEN - The free-agent market for running backs is slim pickings this week, but Henry makes the list after carrying eight times for 60 yards and a score Sunday. He's the type of back who can wear down a defense at this point in the season, and the coaching staff has reportedly considered using him more in short-yardage situations. The Titans' offense clicked for weeks and should DeMarco Murray miss time Henry would instantly become a top-10 running back. Don't pick him up planning to use him every week, but, while it might be obvious to point out, at least have him on your bench. FAAB: $3-$6
WIDE RECEIVER
Primary Targets
Malcolm Mitchell, NE - Mitchell scored twice Sunday and could have had an even better game had he timed his dive better in the end zone on a pass that went through his fingertips. This is now two weeks with an effective fantasy game, and with the injuries to Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett there's good reason to think he can keep this up. Outside of Chris Hogan, he's the Patriots' best downfield threat, and the effective running game of LeGarrette Blount keeps opposing defenses honest. Bump up his value if Gronk is out with his back injury. FAAB: $10-$20
Dontrelle Inman, SD - With the list of injured receivers growing for the Chargers it could very well be Inman who ends up the top wide receiver. Travis Benjamin is still nursing a knee injury and only had two targets in Sunday's win. Inman missed the last part of the game with what was thought to be a concussion, but he was later cleared and will not enter the concussion protocol. Inman finally had a breakout game, catching all six of his targets for 119 yards and a touchdown. It was the fifth consecutive game he had at least six targets. While Tyrell Williams' shoulder injury doesn't sound serious it appears Inman, at worst, is the second receiving option in the Chargers' offense. FAAB: $10-$20
Taylor Gabriel, ATL - Atlanta appears to have found a second receiving weapon to target when Roddy WhiteJulio Jones is in a tough matchup. Gabriel scored twice Sunday, his fourth consecutive game with a touchdown. The offense has made a concerted effort to get the ball in his hands whether it's receiving or rushing. Both scores Sunday came on quick screens, as he effectively navigated through the Arizona defense. He also had a 27-yard run on a reverse. FAAB: $10-$20
Secondary Targets
Marquess Wilson, CHI - Wilson came out of nowhere to catch eight balls for 125 yards and a score Sunday, though most of it came in garbage time. Still, he led the Bears with 11 targets, and it was evident he and fellow backup Matt Barkley had some chemistry together. Alshon Jeffery will miss another two games, meaning Wilson will continue to get playing time opposite Cameron Meredith. It's worth noting that Barkley threw 54 times, a number that's unlikely to be replicated. FAAB: $3-$6
TIGHT END
Secondary Targets
Jermaine Gresham, ARI - Gresham received a whopping 10 targets in Sunday's loss to the Falcons and has become a favorite red-zone target of Carson Palmer's. Gresham scored for the second week in a row and narrowly missed having a two-touchdown game. The only red flag is there are plenty of mouths to feed in the Arizona offense as Palmer has several weapons at his disposal. Still, Gresham has carved out a role in this offense near the end zone. FAAB: $3-$6
