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
Secondary Options
Brian Hoyer, HOU - The Texans lead the league in pass attempts, which shouldn't be surprising given how much they've played from behind this season. The fiasco with Ryan Mallett missing his flight likely cemented Hoyer, who has excellent numbers his last three games, as the starter. Hoyer has at least 273 passing yards in each of those games and a 8:2 TD:INT ratio as well. The schedule sets up nicely for him with the Jets the only decent defense he'll face the rest of the season. Without Arian Foster, the Texans likely will be forced to air it out more, and it doesn't hurt that veteran Nate Washington is back in the fold. DeAndre Hopkins will continue to see a ton of targets (he's had at least 11 every game), on pace to finish as a top-3 fantasy option at the position. FAAB: $5-10
RUNNING BACK
Primary Targets
Darren McFadden, DAL - Sunday was a turn-back-the-clock game, as McFadden rushed for 152 yards and a score. Everything fell McFadden's way --
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
Secondary Options
Brian Hoyer, HOU - The Texans lead the league in pass attempts, which shouldn't be surprising given how much they've played from behind this season. The fiasco with Ryan Mallett missing his flight likely cemented Hoyer, who has excellent numbers his last three games, as the starter. Hoyer has at least 273 passing yards in each of those games and a 8:2 TD:INT ratio as well. The schedule sets up nicely for him with the Jets the only decent defense he'll face the rest of the season. Without Arian Foster, the Texans likely will be forced to air it out more, and it doesn't hurt that veteran Nate Washington is back in the fold. DeAndre Hopkins will continue to see a ton of targets (he's had at least 11 every game), on pace to finish as a top-3 fantasy option at the position. FAAB: $5-10
RUNNING BACK
Primary Targets
Darren McFadden, DAL - Sunday was a turn-back-the-clock game, as McFadden rushed for 152 yards and a score. Everything fell McFadden's way -- Joseph Randle left early with an injury and Christine Michael couldn't take advantage of working with the first team in practice. It appears its McFadden's backfield, and the Cowboys weren't shy about giving him a full workload. The Cowboys still have one of the league's best run-blocking lines and are likely content with handing the ball off until Tony Romo returns from his injury. Everyone knows the injury risk associated with owning DMC, but, for now, he's healthy and has the job. FAAB: $20-25
Alfred Blue, Chris Polk, Jonathan Grimes, HOU - The biggest injury in the NFL this weekend was the season-ending Achilles' tendon tear suffered by Arian Foster. His absence leaves a lot of touches available in the Texans' backfield. Blue had a big game Week 3 against Tampa Bay with 31 carries for 139 yards but averages just 3.9 yards per carry this season. Polk has gotten touches as a receiver and only averages 3.5 yards per carry. Grimes hasn't gotten much work since the first three games of the season, primarily playing special teams. Blue is the preferred pickup, but coach Bill O'Brien could choose to go with the hot hand or use all somewhat evenly. FAAB: Blue $10-15, Polk $4-8, Grimes $1 or FCFS
Secondary Targets
Orleans Darkwa, NYG - Darkwa led the RBBC for the Giants on Sunday, finishing with a team-high eight carries for 48 yards and a score. The touches were the first of the season for Darkwa, and his involvement further clouds the Giants' running-back situation. There's no guarantee with Darkwa, but his work Sunday was positive, and the Giants didn't set on a main back despite three options. FAAB: $4-8
Zac Stacy, NYJ - Chris Ivory tweaked his hamstring Sunday, and while he played through the loss to New England, it's possible he could miss some time. Stacy, at this point, is next in line for carries should that happen. He finished Sunday's game with eight touches for 30 yards. Stacy would be higher on this list, but Stevan Ridley will return from a knee injury at some point and Bilal Powell could play this week after missing Sunday with an ankle injury. Of course, Ivory might suit up this week and not miss any time. FAAB: $3-6
WIDE RECEIVER
Hail Mary
Victor Cruz, NYG - Owned in roughly a third of fantasy leagues, now is the time to grab Cruz if you're looking for wide receiver help. Cruz will have an MRI on Thursday on his troublesome calf, which could bring good news. He could be cleared to return to practice in the near future, and by then he'll be gone from your waiver. Don't waste your top waiver on him or blow all of your FAAB, but go after him if you have the space with the idea you may be dropping him immediately if Thursday's news is bad. FAAB: $1 or FCFS
TIGHT END
Primary Targets
Eric Ebron, DET - After missed two games with a knee injury, Ebron came back in a big way Sunday against the Vikings, finishing with five catches for 89 yards and a score, and looked completely healthy. It's easy to forget that he scored in each of the first two weeks and has softer coverage to work over the middle with opposing defenses focused on slowing the wide receivers. Think of him as a top-8 tight end the rest of the season. FAAB: $10-15
Ladarius Green, SD - It sounds as if Antonio Gates could miss some time with a knee injury, making Green the best option to fill in at tight end. He converted two two-point conversions Sunday and finished with a 4-45-1 line on nine targets. He now has a touchdown in three of his last four games, and with the Chargers' defense struggling to stop anyone it appears Philip Rivers will throw a lot. The schedule sets up nicely for the passing attack as the Chargers play Baltimore, Chicago, Kansas City and Jacksonville their next four games. FAAB: $6-10
