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
Hail Mary
Matt Cassel, DAL - Coming off a bye, Dallas will make a switch at quarterback this week, giving control of the offense to Cassel. There isn't too much to get excited about as the Cowboys are still missing Dez Bryant, and Cassel has limited upside as evidenced by his play since leaving New England after the 2008 season. In two-quarterback/super-flex leagues he will have value, and it's possible once Dez comes back he could be considered if the matchup is right. FAAB: $1-2
Zach Mettenberger, TEN - If your team doesn't have a quarterback of the future and needs to find one, it should be on the phone with the Titans. Last season, Mettenberger looked like a promising prospect with 7.9 yards per attempt, only to take a backseat this season when the Titans drafted Marcus Mariota. He could be under center this week, however, as Mariota has a sprained MCL. The two will split reps in practice. Mettenberger has more upside than Cassel, and the only reason he isn't higher
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
Hail Mary
Matt Cassel, DAL - Coming off a bye, Dallas will make a switch at quarterback this week, giving control of the offense to Cassel. There isn't too much to get excited about as the Cowboys are still missing Dez Bryant, and Cassel has limited upside as evidenced by his play since leaving New England after the 2008 season. In two-quarterback/super-flex leagues he will have value, and it's possible once Dez comes back he could be considered if the matchup is right. FAAB: $1-2
Zach Mettenberger, TEN - If your team doesn't have a quarterback of the future and needs to find one, it should be on the phone with the Titans. Last season, Mettenberger looked like a promising prospect with 7.9 yards per attempt, only to take a backseat this season when the Titans drafted Marcus Mariota. He could be under center this week, however, as Mariota has a sprained MCL. The two will split reps in practice. Mettenberger has more upside than Cassel, and the only reason he isn't higher is that Mariota's injury likely won't cost him an extended absence. FAAB: $1 or FCFS
RUNNING BACKS
Primary Targets
Christine Michael, DAL - It's easy to forget about Michael with the Cowboys coming off the bye, but it appears the Cowboys are ready to increase his workload. There's no guarantee he leads the RBBC in carries, and Joseph Randle likely won't get completely phased out. It does bode well for Michael's fantasy prospects that Dallas' running backs coach Gary Brown said they're "going to take the reins off" Michael. He'll have a tough matchup this week as the Cowboys face the Giants, a team giving up only 3.5 yards per carry. FAAB: $10-15
Secondary Targets
James Starks, GB - It wouldn't be surprising if the Packers split the workload between Starks (4.5 YPC) and Eddie Lacy (3.9 YPC) given the seasons each of them is having. Starks scored twice in Sunday's win over the Chargers and looked explosive on his 65-yard touchdown run. A bye week could help Lacy if he's been banged up, and it's unlikely the Packers only give him six touches per game again. But Starks has carved himself a nice role in this offense and should continue to see 8-12 touches per game. FAAB: $8-12
WIDE RECEIVER
Primary Targets
Stefon Diggs, MIN - Diggs appeared in this column a couple weeks ago before Minnesota's bye. However, the price on him is going to drastically increase after he had another stellar game with seven catches for 129 yards Sunday. There's a strong argument he's the Vikings' best wide receiver. Receiving nine and 10 targets in his last two games suggests he'll continue to be a focal point of the passing attack. FAAB: $15-25
Michael Floyd, ARI - Floyd narrowly missed a two-touchdown game Sunday, having a score wiped off the board due to a OPI call against him. He did finally find the end zone for the first time this season and was targeted a season-high eight times. Playing from behind most of the game, Carson Palmer aired it out a bit more, throwing 45 times, which helps explain the increase in targets for Floyd. This week, the Cardinals welcome the Ravens, who have given up 8.2 yards per attempt and 11 touchdowns through the air. FAAB: $8-12
Secondary Targets
Albert Wilson, KC - Wilson had a nice 42-yard catch-and-run for a score Sunday and could be in a position to be Kansas City's top receiving option this week. Jeremy Maclin left Sunday's game with a concussion and will now have to go into the league's concussion protocol before returning. If Maclin sits against Pittsburgh this week, Wilson should get an uptick from the six targets he had Sunday. However, it's tough to get overly excited about Wilson given he's done little before Sunday's mini breakout. FAAB: $4-8, depending on Maclin's health
TIGHT END
Primary Targets
Ben Watson, NO - Watson had a "turn-back-the-clock" game last Thursday night with 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. That's two games in a row now with a score for Watson, and it appears he's earned the trust of Drew Brees in the red zone. Few tight ends have been dependable this season, and while Watson is in the twilight of his career, this offense is going to be throwing a lot given the New Orleans defense is very weak. FAAB: $8-12
