Working the Fantasy Football Waiver Wire

Added on Oct 20, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

Unless you’re in an eight-team league, chances are the fantasy football waiver wire is all but barren. Bye weeks and injuries are undoubtedly leaving many owners scrambling for bodies as we approach the half-way point of the 2010 fantasy season. For those in desperate need of present and future help, here are five players who in all likelihood are still available to pick up.

TE Brandon Pettigrew (Lions) – The second-year pro has developed a nice chemistry with backup quarterback Shaun Hill. He has already surpassed his rookie total of 30 catches and is on pace to snag 80. With Matthew Stafford set to return to the starting lineup in week 8, look for Pettigrew’s targets to increase. He’s available in most leagues and is definitely worth a roster spot.

RB Danny Woodhead (Patriots) – The unheralded runner from tiny Chadron State is a classic Bill Belichick kind of player. He does what’s asked of him and never complains. Think of him as the anti-Randy Moss. Woodhead amassed 115 total yards in the Pats victory over the Ravens last Sunday. Belichick backfields are the definition of fluid, but stashing Woodhead on your bench is a smart idea. He could end up helping you down the stretch.

WR Jason Avant (Eagles) – It should come as no surprise that Avant posted his best numbers of the season after DeSean Jackson exited the game versus Atlanta. His five grabs for 62 yards could become the norm until Jackson returns from a concussion. Avant is far from flashy and won’t light up the stat sheet, but you could do much worse at this stage of the season.

RB James Starks (Packers) – The rookie from Buffalo wowed Packers brass before landing on the PUP list early in training camp. With Brandon Jackson struggling to fill the void left by Ryan Grant’s trip to the IR, Starks, who just started practicing with team, could assume an integral role in the Green Bay backfield. He has excellent size and decent speed. If you have the room, snatch him up and take the wait and see approach.

WR Danario Alexander (Rams) – The season-ending injury to Mark Clayton opened a door for the massive Alexander to leap through and he did just that on Sunday. His four catches for 72 yards and a touchdown raised many an eyebrow in fantasy circles. He’ll probably be a hit or miss type of player, but should he become Sam Bradford’s number one option, expect big things from here on out.