NFL Waiver Wire: Time for Randle to Step Up

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

Kirk Cousins, WAS - Cousins is coming off a nice fantasy game at home and has developed some nice chemistry with DeSean Jackson. Cousins has thrown for more than 300 yards in five of his last eight games and the matchup with the Eagles is favorable. Philadelphia has allowed 30 touchdowns through the air (29th in the league) and has given up 259 passing yards per game (24th in the league). This game has a healthy total at 48, and with the Redskins the underdog, Cousins might have to throw a lot. FAAB: $8-12

Secondary Targets

Teddy Bridgewater, MIN - It's always wise to not to overreact to one week but there are a few reasons to look at Teddy this week. First, he re-established his connection with talented rookie Stefon Diggs last week, and the offensive line looked as if they gave him more time to throw Sunday. The real key this week is the matchup against the Giants, a team that has given up some big fantasy days to opposing quarterbacks. The GMen come into this game in the bottom third of almost every defensive passing statistic and are last in the league with 308 passing yards allowed per game (New Orleans is 31st at 279, for perspective). One reason the Giants are prone to giving up yards is the offense's ability to score, which turn games into shootouts. If that happens again this week, Bridgewater is a sneaky play. FAAB: $4-8

RUNNING BACK

Primary Targets

Karlos Williams, BUF - The Bills have already downgraded LeSean McCoy to doubtful this week, making it likely Williams will start and see the bulk of the workload. There's no reason for the Bills to push McCoy back into action after being eliminated Sunday from the playoffs, so Williams could be the main guy in the backfield the rest of the season. Williams is averaging 6.0 yards per carry this season and has found the end zone seven times. He is a capable receiver and gets a Dallas team that has surrendered 14 rushing touchdowns this season. Mike Gillislee is worth a dollar bid or acquiring in FCFS. FAAB: Max

Christine Michael, SEA - It appears Michael will get the majority of the carries with Thomas Rawls out for the season and Marshawn Lynch already ruled out for Week 16 by coach Pete Carroll. Michael carried 16 times for 84 yards Sunday while Bryce Brown only toted the rock nine times. Michael was more efficient with his carries as well, averaging 5.3 yards per rush. This week it's a good matchup as the Rams allow 4.2 yards per carry, 19th in the league. FAAB: $10-15

Secondary Targets

Cameron Artis-Payne, CAR - Jonathan Stewart missed Sunday's matchup with the Giants due to a foot sprain. It was a little surprising to see Artis-Payne get the bulk of the work as he had double the carries (14) than Mike Tolbert and Fozzy Whittaker combined (seven). Artis-Payne would be in the "Primary Targets" section if it was certain that Jonathan Stewart would be out again. He has a good matchup this week against the Falcons and should get plenty of work with the Panthers as favorites. Watch the practice reports this week for clarification of Stewart's status. FAAB: $4-8

Jerick McKinnon, MIN - One of the better backups in the league, McKinnon gained 86 yards from scrimmage on 11 touches Sunday in relief of Adrian Peterson. As of now, Peterson's ankle injury doesn't seem serious, and he should play. However, if he were to sit, McKinnon would be the biggest beneficiary. McKinnon had two 100-yard rushing games last season when given a bigger role, but Matt Asiata is still around to vulture touches. Again, it looks like AP will be OK, but if he isn't, be ready to scoop up McKinnon. FAAB: $3-6

Hail Mary

Terrance West, BAL - A Javorius Allen fumble that led to a touchdown got him benched Sunday, making West the main running back for the rest of the game. He didn't get much work due to the game flow (and the Ravens being behind), but his nine touches to Allen's four says something. Baltimore would be wise to go back to its rookie to give him valuable playing time for the last two games, so expect Allen to get the start against Pittsburgh this week. However, it is likely West has carved out a bigger role and should see near double-digit touches this week. FAAB: $3-6

WIDE RECEIVER

Secondary Targets

Rueben Randle, NYG - The loss of Odell Beckham leaves behind double-digit targets that someone in the passing attack is going to gain. The Giants don't have much of a running game to speak of, and the way their defense has played Eli Manning is going to have to sling the rock a lot. Randle is nothing special; he looks slow and doesn't do much in the way of yards after the catch. However, he could be a target monster this weekend if the suspension on ODB is upheld. It helps that the Vikings have had some injuries to their defensive starters the last few weeks. FAAB: $4-8

Keshawn Martin, NE - Injuries to the New England receiving corps continue to mount with Danny Amendola the latest victim. While he hasn't been ruled out, it doesn't look likely that he'll play this week. That should move Martin up the depth chart and put him in the discussion as the third receiving option provided Julian Edelman remains out. Martin caught a touchdown pass a couple weeks ago and could benefit this week if Darrelle Revis shadows Brandon LaFell or Rob Gronkowski. Still, chances are you have a better option than Martin this week, unless you're desperate or in a deep format. FAAB: $3-6