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.
QUARTERBACK
Primary Targets
Marcus Mariota, TEN - Mariota is owned in about 50 percent of fantasy leagues, so there's a good chance he isn't available. A lot is working in his favor these days; he has an emerging No. 1 wide receiver in Dorial Green-Beckham and a reliable safety valve in Delanie Walker to use over the middle. The running game is basically non-existent and the defense will give up points keeping Mariota in play for the whole game. Mariota's running ability was on display when he scampered 87 yards for a score. His nine rushes Sunday were a season-high, and he might look to run more after an ankle injury bothered him earlier this season. FAAB: $6-12
RUNNING BACK
Secondary Targets
James White, NE - White had his best game as a professional against the Eagles and benefitted from the game flow. Playing from behind most of the game, the Patriots had to abandon the run and air it out. White finished with 10 catches for 115 yards and a score on a season-high 13
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
Marcus Mariota, TEN - Mariota is owned in about 50 percent of fantasy leagues, so there's a good chance he isn't available. A lot is working in his favor these days; he has an emerging No. 1 wide receiver in Dorial Green-Beckham and a reliable safety valve in Delanie Walker to use over the middle. The running game is basically non-existent and the defense will give up points keeping Mariota in play for the whole game. Mariota's running ability was on display when he scampered 87 yards for a score. His nine rushes Sunday were a season-high, and he might look to run more after an ankle injury bothered him earlier this season. FAAB: $6-12
RUNNING BACK
Secondary Targets
James White, NE - White had his best game as a professional against the Eagles and benefitted from the game flow. Playing from behind most of the game, the Patriots had to abandon the run and air it out. White finished with 10 catches for 115 yards and a score on a season-high 13 targets from Tom Brady, including an important fourth-down conversion. It remains to be seen how much work he'll continue to get, and it's important to stress that the game flow was directly correlated to the increase in usage. Still, he has the pass-catching running-back role for New England, always a good spot to be in. FAAB: $4-8
Darren Sproles, PHI - Sproles turned in his best game of the season Sunday, totaling 100 yards from scrimmage as well as returning a punt for a touchdown. His usage has been up and down this season, but Chip Kelly may have decided he's the best back to fit his style of offense. Sproles had a season-high 15 carries against the Patriots while DeMarco Murray only had eight carries. Kenjon Barner had nine carries, but a late fumble might have landed him in the doghouse. FAAB: $3-6
David Cobb, TEN - For weeks it's been reported that Cobb would get more work in the Tennessee offense, and that finally came to fruition Sunday. Cobb received a season-high 13 carries but only mustered 40 yards out of them. It would make a lot of sense for the Titans to feature him down the stretch to see what they have in their rookie running back. The matchup this week against the Jets is something to avoid, but the following week against Patriots is a good one. FAAB: $3-6
Kerwynn Williams, ARI - Williams had a nice touchdown run against the Rams and finished with 59 rushing yards on only six carries. The health of Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington is up in the air, and Williams could get bumped to inactive once they return. However, he's the backup to David Johnson now, and another fumble or injury could put Williams in line for more work. FAAB: $2-4
WIDE RECEIVER
Secondary Targets
Brian Hartline, CLE - There was definitely some chemistry between Hartline and Austin Davis as Hartline had 11 and 12 targets in his last two games. Hartline has quietly been very productive in PPR formats as he's had 16.3, 15.4, 13.7 and 19.2 fantasy points in his last four games. It remains to be seen if Hartline can continue his production with Johnny Manziel under center, but the Browns should be playing from behind a lot to finish the season and, therefore, have to throw. FAAB: $4-8
TIGHT ENDS
Secondary Targets
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TB - While he didn't make a huge fantasy splash, it was good to see ASJ come out of Sunday's game healthy. He's a top-3 target for Jameis Winston and had a nice start to the season before getting hurt. While it seems like forever ago, Seferian-Jenkins opened the season with five catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Cameron Brate scored three touchdowns in five games before Sunday, showing Winston's penchant to target his tight end in the red zone. Look for Seferian-Jenkins to be a top-12 option at the position.FAAB: $5-10
