This article is part of our NFL Waiver Wire series.
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.
RUNNING BACK
Primary Targets
James Starks, GB - It seems as Ty Montgomery's run at running back has all but ended with Starks' return to the field. Starks out-carried Montgomery seven to three and caught three passes as well, one a touchdown. It's hard to ascertain how the Packers will use both given they were in a deep hole quickly Sunday. Reading the tea leaves from their usage Sunday suggests Starks being the main workhorse out of the backfield with Montgomery occasionally spelling him. Starks has limited upside given his per-carry average, but his ability to catch passes makes him a viable option. FAAB: $33-$50
C.J. Prosise, SEA - The running back carousel continues to go around in Seattle with Prosise taking over as the lead back Sunday night. He didn't disappoint, gaining 153 yards from scrimmage. If there was anything discouraging about the performance it was his inability to get into the end zone at the goal line twice, though the second time it looked very close. Prosise likely will continue to be the lead back with Christine Michael nursing a minor injury, but Thomas Rawls is expected back this weekend, clouding things a bit. Still, it should be Prosise who gets the bulk of the work at least initially while the Seahawks ease Rawls back. FAAB: $33-$50
Kenneth Dixon, BAL - I almost think I'm wrongfully going after Dixon for the second time this season given the promise he showed early on. The good news is he had a markedly better game Sunday against the Browns than Terrance West, and the coaching staff had to notice. Dixon is a better receiver out of the backfield than West, and their snap counts have been almost the same the last two games. Look for West to continue to get the bulk of carries, but watch to see if Dixon starts to eat further into his touches. FAAB: $10-$20
Secondary Targets
Akeem Hunt, HOU - With Brock Osweiler still struggling at quarterback, the Texans continue to focus on the running game. This week Hunt got into the action with both Alfred Blue and Lamar Miller banged up. Hunt rushed for 52 yards on only eight carries and caught a pass, as well. He should continue to be part of the rushing attack given the status of his teammates and could even slip into the second option given his success Sunday. Hunt could end up with an even bigger role if either teammate aggravates his injury or misses time. FAAB: $4-$8
WIDE RECEIVER
Primary Targets
Cameron Meredith, CHI - The news broke late Monday afternoon that Alshon Jeffery was suspended by the NFL for violating the NFL's PED policy. First, feel free to drop Jeffery in most formats (unless you can afford to tie up the extra roster spot until Week 15); there's little reason to keep him on the bench the next four games. The good news is this should bring a boost to Meredith, Eddie Royal and Zack Miller. Meredith should benefit the most as he profiles more like a No. 1 wide receiver than his teammates. It is a little alarming that he's only gotten two targets in each of the last two games with Cutler under center (one being the Hail Mary), but Alshon is leaves behind 17 targets from those two games. In any PPR format Royal is worth throwing a few bucks at as well as he and Cutler have proven to have good chemistry. FAAB: $15-$40
Tyreek Hill, KC - The attraction of picking up Hill is the volume of targets he'll get as long as Jeremy Maclin is out. With Maclin ruled out last week, Hill finished with 13 targets Sunday. He parlayed the extra targets into 10 catches for 89 yards and gained 12 yards on another carry. Given Hill's 4.24 speed, it would help if Alex Smith could throw downfield accurately, as Hill is capable of busting the big play. Watch practice reports this week on Maclin. Hill could be in a great spot at home against a Tampa team giving up the fifth-highest YPA at 8.1. FAAB: $8-$12
Secondary Targets
Robert Woods, BUF - With Woods coming off a bye it's easy to forget the game Woods had two weeks ago on Monday night at Seattle. He finished that game with 10 catches for 162 yards, both career highs. The good news is that game showed a lot of trust between Tyrod Taylor and Woods, who appeared completely healthy from his foot injury. However, that was Woods' first 100-yard game of the season and he only has one touchdown. Still, there's no Sammy Watkins (stash him if you have the room; he's eligible to practice this week, though unlikely to play) so Woods should continue to see heavy targets Sunday in Cincinnati. FAAB: $15-$25
