Elijah Mitchell goes for a trillion dollars on your waiver wire, then he “pops off” for 42 yards on 17 carries.
So yeah, this waiver wire thing isn’t quite an exact science.
Yet and still, there are ways to read between the lines and capitalize upon the proper pricepoints. Let’s dig a little deeper and find some true diamonds in the rough this week:
12 Teams, Full-Point PPR, Superflex
As always, these are based upon actual leagues I am in. This way I can’t say “pick up so-and-so,” then you find out shortly after that they are only available in 20 percent of leagues. This is an honest way to keep me in check.
QB Davis Mills: Sometimes I have to warn you about a guy, rather than endorse them. Sure, Tyrod Taylor might be out the next four games (hamstring), but Mills is simply not ready to perform well at this level. Maybe if you put him on Tampa with Godwin/Evans/Gronk he could do some things – or Metcalf/Lockett or Hill/Kelce, you get the idea – but not on Houston where all of the pressure lies on vet Brandin Cooks right now. Mills is shaky, and he’s going to remain so throughout this season.
QB Deshaun Watson: The Texans are saying they won’t play Deshaun this week… but how long can this stalemate last, on the whole? In Superflex – which we are dealing with, here - he’s worth a hold if you have the room. Something has to give eventually, right?
QB Jacob Eason: If Wentz can’t go, this is the same deal as Davis Mills, here. Can’t view Eason as a fantasy threat, despite the possible opportunity. He has no downfield passing ability at this stage of his pro career.
QB Jacoby Brissett: A better option than both Mills and Eason to me, if Tua can’t go, of course. Brissett brings the possible rushing element in the deep redzone. He also attempted 40 passes this week; not gun shy in the slightest, if necessary.
RB Sony Michel: Darrell Henderson runs so damn hard that he always ends up getting hurt. Michel is a prime pickup with long-term potential, as well.
RB JD McKissic: Always one of my guys. A PPR specialist who can also run between the tackles if you are patient enough to give him the opportunities. All things considered, he’s one of the best backup RBs in the game right now.
WR K.J. Osborn: If you didn’t take his Week 1 performance seriously, you better reconsider, now. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen draw an awful lot of defensive attention, and Osborn is taking full advantage of clean looks and easy releases into space. Irv Smith has been gone from the get-go and Chris Herndon is a bust. It’s Jefferson/Thielen/Osborn all the way for Minny.
TE Maxx Williams: 7 targets, 7 catches, 94 yards with Kyler Murray at the helm? Sure, Maxx has my attention in TE-premium leagues.
14 Teams, 0.5 PPR
RB Cordarrelle Patterson: No sign of Wayne Gallman yet, and Patterson is looking like one of Atlanta’s best all-around weapons with the versatility we’ve come to expect from him over the years. Matty Ice has developed fast comfort with ‘Relle. Full-point PPR would be even better.
WR Cordarrelle Patterson: No, that’s not a typo. He’s available at WR, too! Easy pickup, here.
WR Darius Slayton: “Danny Dimes” has always seemed to have an affinity for him. Slayton looked more dynamic than high-priced Kenny Golladay on Thursday Night Football. Still a play in super deep leagues, for sure.
TE Cole Kmet: Gotta buy-low after a ghost performance! Kmet was nowhere to be found in Week 2, but we get a true buyer’s opportunity, here.
TE Austin Hooper: Baker Mayfield looks locked in in the early going, and Hooper remains a steady vet with some opportunities. Easy move in a 14-team league, if a TE is needed.
Best overall pickups are looking like Michel, Osborn and Patterson. Knock ‘em dead this week!
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