NFL Waiver Wire: ODBJ's Running Mate

This column is geared toward "standard" 12-team leagues and based upon a $100 free-agent budget. Please, please adjust for your league based upon both the number of teams (I'm in a 24-team league, for example) and budget. During the season, 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.

RUNNING BACK

Primary Targets

Brandon Bolden, NE – Nothing should be a surprise with the Patriots backfield, and it can't be a shock that they released Jonas Gray over the weekend. Gray was a one-week wonder a season ago and now the Patriots will turn to Bolden to be their "big back" while LeGarrette Blount is suspended for Week 1. There's a three-headed monster that will also get some touches, but James White, Travaris Cadet and Dion Lewis are smaller, east-west runners who likely won't be used at the goal line. This may just be a one-week thing with Bolden, but there's a chance he carves out a role in the rushing attack if he can produce on Thursday against Pittsburgh. FAAB: $3-6

Secondary Options

Josh Robinson, IND – It was both a little surprising and under-the-radar that the Colts put Dan Herron on waivers and risked losing him. This transaction bodes well for Robinson, who should now claim the backup spot behind Frank Gore. A sixth-round pick out of Mississippi State, Robinson suffered a concussion this preseason but returned to practice Monday. He's likely to get around 4-8 touches to start the season, and he's in a great spot as part of the Indy offense. Should the mileage finally catch up to Gore this year, Robinson should be capable of handling a full workload. To start the season, though, temper your expectations. FAAB: $2-4

Terrance West, TEN – West acknowledged he's been in the Browns' doghouse since last season, so it probably came as little surprise when they dealt him to Tennessee. The Titans were in the market for more running back depth, as rookie David Cobb (calf) was recently placed on IR/designated to return. With Cobb out for at least the first half of the season, it will likely be West and/or Antonio Andrews who backs up Bishop Sankey. West averaged 4.2 YPC last season, found the end zone six times and looked like a capable pass-catcher. FAAB: $2-4

Hail Mary

Christine Michael, DAL – The acquisition of Michael further muddles the running back situation in Big D and has to frustrate Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden owners. There are a few things to consider here. The fact that Seattle gave up so quickly on Michael, a 2013 second-round draft pick, tells you what they thought of him and his potential. Basically, the Seahawks decided a 34-year old Fred Jackson would be a more capable backup in the absence of Robert Turbin (ankle), who landed on injured reserve and may be released with an injury settlement. Dallas also didn't give up the farm for Michael, dealing only a conditional seventh-round pick for his services. Michael is going to start the season, at best, third on the depth chart, with fourth (behind Lance Dunbar) being the likely spot. Don't break the bank here. FAAB: $1 or FCFS

WIDE RECEIVER

Secondary Targets

Aaron Dobson, NE – The Patriots released Reggie Wayne and placed Brandon LaFell (foot) on the PUP list, meaning that both Dobson and Danny Amendola will have roles in the passing attack. Dobson is listed here because he has a different skill set than Amendola or Julian Edelman. Outside of Rob Gronkowski, the former second-round pick has the most size in New England's receiving corps, along with the speed to get open downfield. He was hurt for basically all of last season and is looking to build on a 519-yard, four-touchdown rookie campaign. His fantasy prospects will further be helped by the decision to overturn Tom Brady's suspension. FAAB: $2-4

Rueben Randle, NYG – Randle's value for Week 1 hinges on the health of Victor Cruz (calf), who appears unlikely to play against the Cowboys. As of Monday, Cruz still wasn't practicing, and his absence would put Randle into a starting role opposite Odell Beckham. The Giants/Cowboys game has one of the week's highest over/unders, and with both defenses banged up, there should be plenty of scoring. Furthermore, the Cowboys won't have their best defensive back, as Orlando Scandrick (knee) is out for the season. Again, keep an eye on the reports for Cruz, but right now it appears Randle is in line for an uptick in targets and snaps. FAAB: $2-4

Hail Mary

James Jones, GB – It's hard to try and place a dollar value on Jones when there are both logical pros and cons regarding his potential fantasy value. On the one hand, he's a guy who only had 666 receiving yards a season ago and was just cut by the Giants, who may be without Victor Cruz for Week 1. On the other hand, he heads back to Green Bay to play with Aaron Rodgers in an offense he previously thrived in. He's only three seasons removed from a 14-touchdown explosion, but he's now 31 and coming off a very inefficient season. It's important to note that he's never been a 1,000-yard receiver (817 was his best season) and that Ty Montgomery and/or Jeff Janis could be ahead of him on the depth chart. The likely scenario here is that he only plays in three and four-receiver sets, occasionally vulturing a touchdown away from Randall Cobb or Davante Adams. FAAB: $1-2