I hate to gloat (just kidding, I love it), but last week’s waiver wire pickups did not fail to disappoint. If you looked at the stat line, a majority were winners. Seattle’s Doug Baldwin caught eight passes for 136 yards and a score, Houston’s Kevin Walter caught five passes for 81 yards and a score, Cincinnati’s Jermaine Gresham caught five passes for 21 yards and a score, and finally, the Bengals’ defense/special teams managed to rack up three sacks and force two fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This week’s waiver wire picks seem to be geared toward quarterbacks, so hopefully you picked your fair share of receivers last week.
Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos
Tebow finally got his nod last week, after starting QB Kyle Orton put up a stinker, and looks to finish out the rest of the season as Denver’s starting QB. Tebow started the second half of last week’s loss to San Diego, managing to throw for 79 yards and a score, as well as run for 31 yards and a score. Think of Tebow as Cam Newton-lite, and looks to be an intriguing start for teams in need of a QB.
Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
After putting up a few dismal starts to start the season, it seems as if Cassel has picked it up. Through the last two weeks, Cassel has had a QB rating over 100 and has thrown five touchdowns and zero interceptions. He gets to face another shaky defense in Oakland this week. He could be used as a spot starter in deeper leagues.
Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton has been surprisingly efficient for a rookie quarterback on what was to be one of the worst teams coming into the season. Dalton hasn’t put up any huge games as of yet, but if he does, it could come this week against the hapless Indianapolis Colts. He should be used purely as a spot start this week.
Earnest Graham, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Graham looks to make his first start of year in place of the injured LaGarrette Blount. Graham hasn’t gotten many reps on the ground, but has proven to be a valuable pass-catcher, racking up 23 receptions. He doesn’t face a favorable matchup against New Orleans this week, though, so beware.
Jackie Battle, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Head coach Todd Haley recently compared Battle to 2010 breakout star Arian Foster. Potential fantasy owners hope that Haley is correct, but I highly doubt that Battle will come anywhere close to Foster’s output. Battle put up great numbers last week (19 carries, 119 yards), albeit it was against the Indianapolis Colts. Battle could end up being a solid RB2 at best, but he’ll likely just hold a spot on your bench.
Damian Williams, WR, Tennessee Titans
Like Doug Baldwin, Williams put up a surprising day (11 targets, six receptions, 66 yards, one touchdown) and has found the endzone the last two weeks. He is starting opposite of WR Nate Washington and as QB Matt Hasselbeck airs it out more and more, Williams will see more production.
Steve Breaston, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs resurgence has led to many of their offensive weapons becoming waiver wire pickups, and Breaston is yet another player to fit the bill. Breaston is coming off of a solid 50 yard, two touchdown game against the Colts and looks to snag more touchdowns away from stud WR Dwyane Bowe.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Oakland Raiders
The former seventh overall pick in the draft finally looks like he’s playing up to par. Although Heyward-Bey has only shown flashes in the past two weeks, he worth a spot on the roster just in case he continues getting nearly 100 yards a game.
Editor’s note: I have no faith whatsoever in any of these guys this week, as opposed to all my other waiver wire write-ups.
Chi Side of Chambana 