NFL Waiver Wire: Vick Gets the Call

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

QUARTERBACK

Primary Targets

Michael Vick, PIT - The season of the injured quarterback continued Sunday with the latest casualty Ben Roethlisberger. Fortunately for Ben and the Steelers, the big quarterback did not tear his ACL, and a timetable of 4-6 weeks seems to be the prognosis. That means Vick will be under center and be the focal point of what's been a productive offense. Vick will have limited practice time with the first string this week as the Steelers play Thursday, but he has plenty of weapons at his disposal and his ability to gain extra points using his legs makes him a good weekly fantasy starter. He's a great pickup if you've lost your starting quarterback to the injury bug. FAAB: $10-15

RUNNING BACK

Primary Targets

Karlos Williams, BUF - Williams was highlighted in this column during the preseason, but enough time has passed to mention him once again. He's scored in all three of the Bills' games this season and will continue to be used as the goal-line back. This week, he could see an expanded role if LeSean McCoy is out, as reported. If he starts, think of Williams as a low-end No. 1 running back with the upside to have a top-5 day. Feel free to bump up the FAAB a bit more if the report on McCoy is true. FAAB: $20-25

Secondary Targets

Antonio Andrews, TEN - First, it's important to note that byes start this week with the Titans and Patriots both taking the week off. Andrews led the Titans' backfield with 13 touches Sunday, scoring a rushing touchdown and gaining 61 yards from scrimmage. It's uncertain how Tennessee will split the carries, but it appears Andrews should be moderately involved. The division seems to be shaping up to have spotty defenses, and if Marcus Mariota runs more that will help open running lanes for Andrews. FAAB: $4-8

Thomas Rawls, SEA - Fantasy owners were surprised by Rawls' usage Sunday in relief of an injured Marshawn Lynch. Most thought veteran Fred Jackson would fill in, but the undrafted rookie got 16 carries and ran for 104 yards. Rawls is the running back to own or handcuff to Lynch, whose calf/hamstring/back injuries aren't serious. Still, getting Rawls means potentially having the prime running back if Lynch misses time; just realize Lynch may be back this week. FAAB: $3-6

Hail Mary

Jonas Gray, MIA -LeGarrette Blount went all Jonas Gray with a three-touchdown performance, but Gray played his first game in a Dolphins uniform and is the waiver consideration this week. Lamar Miller owners have to be frustrated with his lack of production, part of which can be attributed to the loss of left tackle Branden Albert. The coaching staff appears ready to give Gray a look after Miller has averaged 3.5 yards per carry this season. It's worth noting Gray's touches came in a blowout, and he hasn't officially overtaken Miller by any means. Still, he appears to have carved out a role in the backfield and has likely earned at least a few carries. FAAB: $1-2

WIDE RECEIVER

Secondary Targets

Ty Montgomery, GB - Any receiver playing with Aaron Rodgers deserves consideration, and Montgomery might be moving up the pecking order considering Davante Adams hasn't been able to stay on the field. Like most rookies, it may have taken a little time for Montgomery to get up to speed with the offense, but it was nice to see him score Monday night for the first time this season. There's a good chance his role in offense grows, and he'll likely have a mismatch every week with attention being drawn to James Jones and Randall Cobb. FAAB: $5-10

Marvin Jones, CIN - Jones has seen his production increase in each of the first three weeks, culminating in a 5-91-1 performance in a win over the Ravens. He always sees single coverage with teams doubling or moving a safety toward A.J. Green, and he's only two seasons removed from a 10-touchdown campaign. Andy Dalton has improved his stats across the board and with all of his receivers healthy, could continue to put up big numbers. Consider Jones a No. 3 wide receiver or a flex due to his penchant for finding the end zone. FAAB: $4-8

TIGHT END

Secondary Targets

Charles Clay, BUF - The Bills saw something on tape and took advantage of the Dolphins' matchup with Clay, who likely was very motivated. The big tight end had five catches for 82 yards and found the end zone for the second straight week. He appears to have good chemistry with Tyrod Taylor, and the Bills young quarterback should continue to improve. If offensive coordinator Greg Roman continues to roll Taylor out, as opposed to keeping him in the pocket, Clay should have plenty of room to work toward the sideline.
FAAB: $2-4