Given the diverse scoring systems and sizes of fantasy leagues, producing a weekly list of free agents that satisfies the masses can be challenging. For the most part, the column will hone in on players who are available in at least 35% of all fantasy leagues. If you play in a small league (8 teams), chances are there may be better players to pick up than you see listed here. If you play in a large league (16 teams), the majority of the players highlighted may already be on a squad; however, expect to find hidden gems, as well.
Quarterbacks
Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins Tannehill bounced back from an average game versus Jacksonville with a 288-yard three-touchdown performance against San Diego. Tannehill has now eclipsed 244 yards and has thrown for at least two scores in four of his last five games. He also has at least 35 yards rushing in every game over that span as well. Tannehill is finally living up to his potential and putting himself in the weekly QB1 conversation. Availability: Owned in ~ 68% of leagues. FAAB: $$ Forecast: Tannehill is a weekly QB1/QB2 depending on the matchup.
Mark Sanchez, Eagles Nick Foles is out at least 4-6 weeks with a broken collarbone. In steps Sanchez, the one-time Jet who is looking to revive his career under Chip Kelly in Philadelphia. So far so good for Sanchez after one game. Against Houston, Sanchez was 15-of-22 for 202 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. One interception wasn’t Sanchez’s fault, as it bounced right off his receiver’s hands. Kelly’s offense can make a lot of quarterbacks look good. Sanchez has played well in the preseason and three quarters of a regular season game. If you need a quarterback, Sanchez is a high priority this week. Availability: Owned in ~ 2% of leagues. FAAB: $$-$$$ Forecast: Sanchez put up QB1 numbers leading the Eagles offense.
Robert Griffin, Redskins Griffin returned from his ankle injury against an underrated Vikings defense and connected on 18-of-28 passes for 251 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also added 24 yards rushing. They weren’t great numbers but RG3 should improve on that output next week against an abysmal Buccaneers pass defense. Tampa Bay allows 285 yards per game through the air. If Griffin can’t have a good fantasy day against the Buccaneers, it’s probably time to give up on him. Availability: Owned in ~ 64% of leagues. FAAB: $-$$ Forecast: Griffin will throw for 270+ yards and multiple scores against the Bucs.
On the Radar: Mike Vick (25%)
Running Backs
Terrance West, Browns The revolving door at running back in Cleveland could be ending. Maybe. After souring on West earlier in the season, the Browns coaching staff believes West has now earned more touches. On Sunday, West out-touched starter Ben Tate 16-14. He ran for 48 yards on 15 carries and scored on a 2-yard reception. West was running tentative earlier in the season but now looks much more confident. Tate is still going to be a factor, so this is far from a perfect fantasy situation. However, West’s fantasy arrow is pointing up. This is the week to go out and get him for the rest of the season. Availability: Owned in ~ 32% of leagues. FAAB: $-$$ Forecast: West will emerge as a viable flex play in the coming weeks.
Tre Mason, Rams Trying to figure out what Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will do is beyond the comprehension of most human beings. However, it should soon become clear to Schottenheimer that Mason is the most talented runner in the Rams backfield. Three weeks ago, Mason ran for 85 yards and a score on 18 carries against Seattle. Schottenheimer decided that impressive performance by Mason should be followed up one week later by rotating three different running backs. Amazingly, that didn’t work. On Sunday, the Rams went back to Mason. He ran the ball 19 times for 65 yards. While the output wasn’t impressive, Mason always looks like he’s a step or two away from breaking a big play. If he continues to get the carries, Mason will reward the Rams and fantasy owners big over the final two months of the season. Availability: Owned in ~ 58% of leagues. FAAB: $$ Forecast: The coaches finally settle on Mason and he produces RB2 numbers over the final month of the season.
Alfred Blue, Texans The Texans enter their bye week with Arian Foster nursing a groin injury. Foster already missed Week 3 against the Giants. Blue started that game and ran 13 times for 78 yards. Blue has shown flashes this season in his limited opportunities. Houston plays Cleveland after the bye. The Browns are allowing 140 yards per game on the ground, so Blue would have a strong matchup if Foster is out. Even if Foster plays, Blue should be picked up for insurance at this point in the season if you have the roster room. Availability: Owned in ~ 24% of leagues. FAAB: $$ Forecast: Blue will be a weekly RB2/flex play if Foster misses time.
Bobby Rainey, Buccaneers Rainey started in place of the injured Doug Martin Sunday and rushed for 87 yards on 19 carries. He’s listed as an injury replacement because Rainey only has fantasy value when the Buccaneers have no other options in the backfield. Even if Martin is out again next week, Rainey might not be a great start. Charles Sims was activated from the injured reserve/designated to return list but he didn’t play against Cleveland. Expect that to change this week. The Buccaneers want to take a long look at Sims over the next month and a half. Owners might be able to squeeze one more start out of Rainey if Martin is out again this week but after that, Sims is the better long-term fantasy option. Availability: Owned in ~ 78% of leagues. FAAB: $-$$ Forecast: Rainey is better suited as a change-of-pace back than a starter. Don’t spend a lot to get him.
Bryce Brown, Bills Two weeks ago in their first game without Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller, the Bills did nothing on the ground. Buffalo was held to just 67 yards rushing against the Jets, as neither Brown nor Anthony Dixon could get anything going. Now that the Bills had a bye week to work out the kinks, expect Brown to get more touches. Brown is the more talented runner. Both backs will get carries but Dixon is more of a special teams player/short yardage specialist. If you’re hurting for a flex play this week, Brown could surprise with a strong performance at home against Kansas City. Availability: Owned in ~ 38% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: Brown will record 60-70 total yards and a score.
Adrian Peterson, Vikings It’s a weird situation when we’re talking about picking up Peterson off the waiver wire in Week 10. Peterson could reach a plea deal in his child abuse case early this week. It’s not clear when he’ll be reinstated by the NFL or if the Vikings want him back yet. However, some reports say Peterson will play again this season. The question we have to ask is if Peterson is worth taking a shot on at this point in the season. If there’s a chance Peterson plays and he’s on your waiver wire, he’s worth the risk unless you have virtually no bench and can’t afford to burn a roster spot. Availability: Owned in ~ 55% of leagues. FAAB: $-$$ Forecast: The Vikings are 4-5 and if the NFL lets Peterson play, he’ll play.
Charles Sims, Buccaneers Sims was activated off the injured reserve/designated to return list last week but he didn’t play against the Brown. The Bucs are expecting Sims will be on the field Sunday versus the Falcons. Either way, he’ll have a big role in the Buccaneers offense down the stretch. Sims is a terrific receiver and he’ll likely be given every opportunity to jump-start Tampa Bay’s ground game. Sims should be targeted in all leagues this week. He has a chance to be a big fantasy factor over the final two months of the season for the 1-7 Buccaneers. Availability: Owned in ~ 38% of leagues. FAAB: $$ Forecast: Sims will emerge as a RB2/flex play in PPR formats over the final month of the season if he stays healthy.
On the Radar: Matt Asiata (32%), Chris Polk (1%)
Wide Receivers
Mike Evans, Buccaneers This should be the last time Evans is on the list. We’ve been beating the drum for Evans for weeks and he finally had his big breakout performance. Against Cleveland, Evans caught seven passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Evans has now caught at least four balls in every game he’s played this year. It’s scary to think how good Evans is going to be when he actually has a consistent quarterback delivering him the ball. Evans should be owned in virtually all leagues right now. He’s a future fantasy star. Availability: Owned in ~ 70% of leagues. FAAB: $$$-$$$$ Forecast: Evans is on the verge of being a weekly WR3.
Martavis Bryant, Steelers Like Evans, Bryant makes the list for the second straight week. Some players you can just see are special. Bryant is one of them. He’s not going to see 10 targets every week but Bryant is talented enough to maximize the targets he does get. Bryant has five touchdowns in his last three games. He only has 10 receptions over that span but remember Bryant is just starting to be implemented into the offense. He’s currently splitting No. 2 receiver duties with Markus Wheaton but expect Bryant’s snap count to increase in the coming weeks. This will be the last week to snatch Bryant off the waiver wire in most leagues. Availability: Owned in ~ 68% of leagues. FAAB: $$-$$$ Forecast: Bryant will be a high upside W4/flex play.
Josh Gordon, Browns Gordon is widely owned but he’s still available is roughly 20 percent of leagues. The star receiver is eligible to play in Week 12 against Atlanta and the Cleveland coaches have no plans to hold him back. No one has ever doubted Gordon’s talents. He’ll instantly be a top fantasy receiving threat and should be owned in all leagues at this point. Availability: Owned in ~ 80% of leagues. FAAB: $$$-$$$$ Forecast: Gordon will be a WR1 almost instantly upon returning.
Cody Latimer, Broncos Wes Welker has a back injury and is questionable for this Sunday’s game against Oakland. If there is one game Denver can hold Welker out and still win comfortably, it’s versus the Raiders. Latimer and Andre Caldwell would replace Welker if he’s out. However, unlike earlier in the season, look for Latimer to get more snaps. Caldwell is an average receiver and that’s putting it kindly. Latimer has all kinds of potential and now that he has more practice reps under his belt, the rookie should be ahead of Caldwell on the depth chart. If you’re looking to pick up one of the two, Latimer is the better option. Availability: Owned in ~ 2% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: Latimer is the better fantasy flex play if Welker is out against Oakland.
Justin Hunter, Titans Hunter benefitted from Zach Mettenberger’s first start two weeks ago. He saw 10 targets, catching four passes for 31 yards and a score. Obviously, owners would like to see more of those targets converted into receptions but it’s a positive sign that Hunter saw double-digit looks for the first time all season with Mettenberger under center. The Titans want to get the ball down the field more with Mettenberger and Baltimore’s secondary has been susceptible to big plays. Hunter will have chances to make some plays on Sunday. Availability: Owned in ~ 78% of leagues. FAAB: $-$$ Forecast: Hunter will find the end zone against the Ravens.
Andre Holmes, Raiders Holmes has been a boom or bust fantasy player this year. Against the Broncos this week, Holmes has a good shot to boom. The Raiders will likely be down early and forced to throw the ball a lot in this game. Holmes has racked up a good portion of his numbers in garbage time and he’ll have a chance to that again this week. Holmes has recorded three double-digit fantasy scoring weeks this season. This should be his fourth. Availability: Owned in ~ 54% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: Holmes will top 75 yards receiving and score against Denver.
Jordan Matthews, Eagles Whenever there’s a quarterback change, certain receivers tend to shine. We know Jeremy Maclin is locked in as a stud regardless who is under center in Philadelphia. Beyond that though, the pecking order at receiver for the Eagles is muddled. That’s why the team made a strong push to acquire Vincent Jackson at the trade deadline. Matthews caught a touchdown pass from Sanchez and physically he’s the second most talented option behind Maclin. The rookie still isn’t seeing a ton of targets yet but that could change over the final eight games of the season and with a new quarterback. If you’re looking to take a flier on a receiver, Matthews is a talented young receiver who plays on a high-scoring offense. There’s some nice upside with him. Availability: Owned in ~ 38% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: Matthews will have a strong final month of the season.
On the Radar: Taylor Gabriel (1%), Allen Hurns (14%), Greg Jennings (38%), Jarvis Landry (5%)
Tight Ends
Charles Clay, Dolphins Clay has been a fantasy disappointment this season but he’s starting to heat up as of late. Clay has two double-digit fantasy scoring games this year and both have come in the last three weeks. He caught four passes for 58 yards and a touchdown against the Bears three weeks ago. On Sunday, Clay caught five balls for 65 yards and a score. With Ryan Tannehill playing well and the Dolphins trying to get Clay more involved the offense, he’s a bye-week replacement if you need him against the Lions. Availability: Owned in ~ 40% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: Clay will score double-digit fantasy points for the third time in four weeks.
Kyle Rudolph, Vikings Rudolph was dropped and long forgotten by most when he had surgery to repair a sports hernia after Week 3. However, Rudolph is close to returning and he’s available in 70 percent of leagues. The Vikings have a bye in Week 10 and are hoping to have Rudolph back for their Week 11 game against Chicago. Regardless, Rudolph is expected back before fantasy playoffs and he’s a big weapon in Minnesota’s offense. Chase Ford has 11 receptions on 13 targets over his last two games. Just imagine the numbers Rudolph will put up with Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback once he returns. Availability: Owned in ~ 30% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: Rudolph will be a fantasy factor over the season’s final month.
On the Radar: Jace Amaro (15%)
Kickers
Cairo Santos, Chiefs Santos has scored in double-digits two of the last three weeks. Since Week 4, he’s a perfect 9-for-9 on field goal attempts. This week Santos faces a Bills team that allows opposing kickers to score on average just under eight points per game. That ranks in the bottom third of the league. Santos has been a dependable fantasy kicker over the last month and he has a favorable matchup. It’s a good week to start him. Availability: Owned in ~ 45% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: Santos will be a Top 12 kicker this week.
On the Radar: Caleb Sturgis (38%)
Defense/Specials Teams
Miami Dolphins The Dolphins defense has been on fire over its last three games. During that span, Miami has recorded 11 sacks, six interceptions, four fumble recoveries and scored two touchdowns. The Dolphins are coming off a shutout of San Diego on Sunday where they harassed Philip Rivers all game long. Miami does have games with Denver and New England coming up but it also has friendly matchups with Buffalo, the Jets, Baltimore and Minnesota as well. At worst, Miami’s defense will be a strong matchup play the rest of the year. Availability: Owned in ~ 65% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: The Dolphins defense will continue to reward fantasy owners when the matchup is favorable.
Pittsburgh Steelers This isn’t the dominant Steelers defense of year’s past but the unit has started to play better of late. Against the Colts and Ravens, Pittsburgh has racked up six sacks, caused three turnovers, recorded a safety and scored a touchdown. Now the Jets come calling. New York’s offense moved the ball better with Mike Vick under center but the Jets are still an offense fantasy owners want to start defenses against if possible. The Steelers defense will be a strong option this week if you need them. Availability: Owned in ~ 44% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: The Steelers are a Top 10 fantasy defense this week.
The Texans enter their bye week with Arian Foster nursing a groin injury. Foster already missed Week 3 against the Giants. Blue started that game and ran 13 times for 78 yards. Blue has shown flashes this season in his limited opportunities. Houston plays Cleveland after the bye. The Browns are allowing 140 yards per game on the ground, so Blue would have a strong matchup if Foster is out. Even if Foster plays, Blue should be picked up for insurance at this point in the season if you have the roster room. 
