Slingbox's Waiver Wired: Week 1's top pickups

Owned in 48% of CBS leagues, 47% of Yahoo leagues.


Locker’s preseason performance was up-and-down to say the least, but it’s worth remembering that he was playing without the one passing-game weapon, Kenny Britt, who draws double teams. With the Week 2 return of Britt to go with impressive rookie Kendall Wright, steady veteran Nate Washington, improving tight end Jared Cook as well as Chris Johnson in the screen game, Locker has the arsenal to make fantasy noise in Chris Palmer’s Run ‘N Shoot variation. Don’t forget about his legs, either. Consistency will be elusive, but Locker has QB1 potential in a best-case scenario.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.


Waiver Wired column

Owned in 45% of CBS leagues, 38% of Yahoo leagues.


Playing mostly against second- and third-stringers, Wilson won over the Seahawks coaching staff by marching the offense up and down the field to the tune of 8.5 yards per attempt with six total touchdowns. He’s proven to be NFL-ready with effective scrambling ability that offers high upside as a QB2 option. The questions are whether Wilson can offer consistent fantasy production against a first-team defense in a run-oriented offense with question marks at wide receiver and tight end. At the cost of a waiver pickup, it’s worth finding out.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.


Waiver Wired column

Owned in 22% of CBS leagues, 13% of Yahoo leagues.


This is an intriguing QB2 option, available for the price of a waiver pickup. Ponder showed a marked increase in accuracy (60.5 percent) and efficiency (8.71 YPA) in preseason action, enjoying the emergence of Kyle Rudolph and Jerome Simpson as viable second and third options to Percy Harvin in the passing game. Often overlooked as an athlete, Ponder also has the running ability to pick up an extra 3-5 points per week. There’s high-end QB2 upside here beyond an improved offensive line.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.


Waiver Wired column

Owned in 44% of CBS leagues, 24% of Yahoo leagues.


After developing bad habits due to poor pass protection in a lost season last year, Bradford looked fantastic in preseason Weeks 2 and 4. Sandwiched in between, however, Bradford once again looked tentative and shaky in the face of defensive pressure. Bradford certainly has the arm for fantasy success, but the Rams’ low-grade offensive line and subpar receiver corps will leave him with consistency issues throughout the season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in deeper leagues.

Owned in 6% of CBS leagues, 2% of Yahoo leagues.


Even if we can’t predict specific injuries with any degree of accuracy, it’s fair to posit that Michael Vick’s relatively carefree playing style leaves him more susceptible to missed games. Foles still has to prove he can handle heavy blitzes, but showed in extensive preseason action that he could move the offense consistently, especially in the red zone. If the poised rookie is called upon to start, the Eagles offensive weapons give him borderline QB1 appeal.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues.

Tim Tebow (pictured), Shaun Hill, Kyle Orton, Ryan Mallett, Colin Kaepernick


Tebow has been a QB1 option every time he has started. … Hill, Orton and Mallett join Foles as the backups with the best combination of offensive talent and fantasy potential. … Kaepernick’s dangerous rushing ability and questionable accuracy put him in the Tebow class of backups.

Owned in 43% of CBS leagues, 23% of Yahoo leagues.


Ryan Mathews (fractured clavicle) returned to practice Monday, but that means little until he’s cleared for contact. Until Mathews gains that clearance, Brown is the favorite for carries and receptions in the Chargers backfield. Although he appeared to be running on fumes last season, Brown has shown fresh legs in preseason action. He’s a good bet for 15-20 touches as a RB2 option if Mathews does indeed sit out Monday’s game at Oakland.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Owned in 19% of CBS leagues, 15% of Yahoo leagues.


I’ve been saying for nearly a month now that I would rather carry a slimmed-down Dwyer on my fantasy roster than a plodding Isaac Redman playing through hip and groin injuries. Dwyer has severely outplayed Redman in training camp and preseason action, showing better than expected hands and an ability to burst through the line with quick cuts. Redman may get the courtesy start at Denver this week, but the Pittsburgh papers now expect Dwyer to get plenty of snaps from the get-go. Dwyer has the talent to emerge as the leader of this committee with Redman, Rashard Mendenhall and Chris Rainey. If he starts the season hot, he could stay out in front all season long.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Owned in 36% of CBS leagues, 20% of Yahoo leagues.


Coach Jim Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman both believe Hunter “really has a chance to have a big year” after an “exceptional” offseason and training camp. Already one of the league’s premier change-of-pace options, Hunter will eat into Frank Gore’s workload this season. We wouldn’t be surprised if Hunter ends up with better fantasy numbers than Gore at the end of the season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 41% of CBS leagues, 12% of Yahoo leagues.


Here is Mike Shanahan’s backfield in a nutshell: A few hours before Friday’s cuts, the Washington Times opined that Tim Hightower, “if totally healthy, figures to be the favorite” to enter the season as the starter. Hightower was promptly released, leaving a three-headed monster of Morris, Evan Royster and Roy Helu. Although Royster stood atop the depth chart released on Monday, he confessed that he has no idea what his role will be for the opener. The backfield breakdown from beat writer John Keim suggests all three Redskins backs must be owned in fantasy leagues even if none can be trusted as a starter.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 33 percent of CBS leagues, 11% of Yahoo leagues.


A power back in the mode of Marion Barber, Turbin has already bypassed Leon Washington as Marshawn Lynch’s backup thanks to a strong preseason showing. Lynch has experienced back spasms for the second time in the past 12 months, leaving Turbin as the obvious “handcuff.” Should Lynch miss time, Turbin would have strong RB2 appeal.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 16% percent of CBS leagues, 6% of Yahoo leagues.


You will see other sites trumpet BenJarvus Green-Ellis as Cedric Benson’s feature-back replacement. That analysis ignores the consistent signs out of Bengals headquarters that OC Jay Gruden wants to move toward a committee approach. Green-Ellis was a bargain role player in New England, killing the clock and converting in short-yardage situations for one of the league’s premier offenses. With no playmaking ability to speak of, Green-Ellis is practically useless between the 20s and when playing from behind. As the lone big-play threat in this backfield, we expect Scott’s role to grow at Green-Ellis’ expense over the course of the season.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 3% of CBS leagues, 1% of Yahoo leagues.


After watching preseason game tape, NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell opined that the fifth-round rookie was already the best runner on the Colts roster. Although Donald Brown will enter the season atop the depth chart, the new coaching staff isn’t beholden to any holdovers from last year. Ballard’s role could grow at Brown’s expense if the veteran gets off to a slow start.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 17 percent of CBS leagues, 5% of Yahoo leagues.


Mike Goodson hasn’t been the same since being carted off the field with a neck injury early in training camp. The more explosive and sure-handed Jones appears to have bypassed him as Darren McFadden’s primary backup. Neither player is has the every-down ability to be a pure “handcuff,” but Jones offers more upside.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Jahvid Best, Ronnie Hillman (pictured), Bilal Powell, Alex Green, Vareen, Lamar Miller


If you have the roster space, why not carry Best? What does it cost you other than hope? If he gains clearance for contact while on the early-season PUP list, he becomes a fantasy starter by mid-season. If you need the roster spot, throw him back in. … Hillman, Powell, Green and Vareen will enter the season as passing-down specialists with the potential for increased roles over the long haul. … Miller has the talent to push Daniel Thomas for the No. 2 job in Miami.

Owned in 25 percent of CBS leagues, 30% of Yahoo leagues.


Collie has been a quarterback-friendly receiver dating back to his BYU days. Emerging as Andrew Luck’s favorite target in OTAs and training-camp practices, Collie had climbed to No. 30 in the Rotoworld Draft Guide receiver ranks before his latest concussion. While Collie remains a red-flag injury risk, he is symptom-free and “full-go” for the season opener versus the Bears. He offers WR2 upside at the cost of a roster spot. This is a no-brainer pick-up entering the season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Owned in 10% of CBS leagues, 5% of Yahoo leagues


Edwards is just two years removed from a 21st-place fantasy finish with Mark Sanchez as his quarterback. Last year was a wash due to a season-long knee ailment, but all indications from Seahawks camp suggest Edwards has regained pre-injury form. Golden Tate, his competition for the starting split end job, is expected to miss at least two weeks with a knee injury. Edwards could take the job and run with it as a WR3 candidate under rookie Russell Wilson.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 3% of CBS leagues, 2% of Yahoo leagues.


A big, physical receiver with good hands and better than expected blocking ability, Streater was Carson Palmer’s top preseason target with an impressive 18 catches for 165 yards in three games. If Denarius Moore (hamstring) remains sidelined versus the Chargers, Streater is a borderline WR3 option. If Jacoby Ford (foot) sits out instead, Streater will play the slot as a less appealing fantasy option.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 35% of CBS leagues, 26% of Yahoo leagues.


Easily the Dolphins’ best receiver throughout camp and preseason action, Bess is locked in as Ryan Tannehill’s No. 1 target entering the season. Don’t expect touchdowns or big plays in a low-scoring offense, but there should be plenty of six-catch, 70-yard games in Bess’ future.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all PPR leagues.

Owned in 41% of CBS leagues, 43% of Yahoo leagues.


The steam has gone out of Cobb’s breakout sails on the heels of Donald Driver’s strong training camp. Should Driver or James Jones suffer an injury, however, Cobb would enter the fantasy WR3 mix with an increase in snaps. A Percy Harvin-like talent, Cobb should earn more playing time over the course of the season regardless. He’s an ideal WR5 stash.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 28% of CBS leagues, 16 percent of Yahoo leagues.


A popular preseason breakout candidate a year ago, Simpson’s vertical game ended up being a poor fit for Jay Gruden’s West Coast offense that relied more on precision route running. The Vikings spent the offseason and training camp raving about Simpson’s speed and athleticism as a much-needed downfield threat to complement Percy Harvin. Suspended the first three games, Simpson projects as the every-down “X” receiver once he returns in October. Stash him if you have the roster space.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 9% of CBS leagues, 5 percent of Yahoo leagues.


Smith doesn’t offer much in the way of upside in a run-oriented offense that figures to be among the league’s lowest scoring. If you’re looking for early-season targets, receptions and yards, though, Smith could offer borderline WR3 production as the starter opposite Danny Amendola.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 35% of CBS leagues, 23% of Yahoo leagues.


Baldwin made plenty of noise with spectacular catches in offseason and training-camp practices, but that was before Dwayne Bowe signed his franchise tender and reported to the team. Baldwin is now relegated to third or fourth option in the passing game for an offense that figures to run as much as possible. The 2011 first-rounder is likely another year away from a true breakout.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 35% of CBS leagues, 37% of Yahoo leagues.


Devin Hester will enter the season as the nominal starter opposite Brandon Marshall, but Jeffery is coming like a freight train after a strong training camp. As an early-season situational player, Jeffery’s production will be spotty, but he has a chance to finish second to Marshall in wide receiver snaps this year. The second-rounder is purely a stash for now.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 43% of CBS leagues, 34% of Yahoo leagues.


As I mentioned earlier under Christian Ponder, the Vikings offense offers sneaky fantasy appeal this year with a stud running back, the league’s most versatile weapon, and a potential stud tight end. Locked in as an every-down tight end in an offense seeking a No. 2 target in the passing game, Rudolph offers size, speed and athleticism on par with Rob Gronkowski. Last year’s second-rounder dominated training camp while earning Ponder’s trust with an impressive catch radius in tight circles. There’s not a better breakout candidate at the position this year.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Owned in 28% of CBS leagues, 20% of Yahoo leagues.


With prototypical size and athleticism, Bennett has been one of the NFL’s biggest underachievers since the Cowboys grabbed him in the second round of the 2008 draft. How much of that was due to limited opportunity behind Jason Witten? We’re about to find out. Eli Manning turned Kevin Boss and Jake Ballard, two players far more limited athletically, into fantasy starters. He could easily do the same for the Black Unicorn.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Owned in 9% of CBS leagues, 3% of Yahoo leagues.


Kendricks appeared to be the next great tight end after a strong preseason a year ago, but fell flat on his face in the regular season. New OC Brian Schottenheimer is expected to feature the tight end prominently in his offense, and Kendricks has been a go-to receiver for Sam Bradford in exhibition action. He’s back on the radar in 14- and 16-team leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Owned in 29% of CBS leagues, 29% of Yahoo leagues.


A healthy Clark has emerged as a bit of a bounce-back candidate after showing a good rapport with Josh Freeman throughout training camp. His upside is capped, however, as a passing-down player in Greg Schiano’s run-first offense. At age 33 with 15 missed games over the past two years, Clark is more of a dice roll than a sure thing.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Owned in 15% of CBS leagues, 4% of Yahoo leagues.


Chandler made waves as the offense’s biggest playmaker during offseason practices, and continued to shine during training camp. Primarily a red-zone threat in 2011, Chandler could be in for a boost in targets between the 20s. I’d make him prove it first in 12-team leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Joel Dreessen, Zach Miller (pictured), Rob Housler, Dwayne Allen, Jordan Cameron


The fantasy community arrived at a consensus months ago that Jacob Tamme would be a top-10 tight end while Dreessen plays a supporting role. We have no idea if that will hold true or not. Dreessen has been every bit as involved in preseason action. … Miller returns to the No. 1 tight end role in Seattle with Kellen Winslow out of the picture. … Housler, Allen and Cameron are talented young tight ends with breakout potential later in the season if their role in the passing game increases.