Waiver Wire Wonders - Week 5 Oct 2, 2012 | More
More articles from Doug Coutts

Wideouts continue to dominate what we are finding on the waiver wire; we’ve got plenty listed this week in several categories. A tight end and another kicker make it into this week’s top category, and don’t be afraid to pull the trigger on these guys to improve what you have at those positions. We dig deep for some running backs for those in deep/dynasty leagues. Though there were  impressive performances by a couple other backs this week, we recommend caution as we are not sure these guys will be able to repeat those stellar numbers.

On to this week’s wonders ...

Smokin' Hot

WR Brian Hartline, Miami

A disappointing Week 3 performance (one catch for 43 yards) kept Hartline out of last week’s listing. Twelve catches for 253 yards (and a touchdown) in Week 4 lands him in this week’s top grouping. We are hoping that Hartline will not end up being an “every other week” performer (nine catches for 111 yards in Week 2). Based on this past week we are recommending him as one of the top free agent additions this week. Ryan Tannehill looked to Hartline on almost every pass play, and threw in his direction regardless of the coverage. Hartline will no longer be a secret to opposing defenses, but look for him to be a solid WR3 from this point forward.

TE Scott Chandler, Buffalo

This high recommendation comes regardless of Chandler’s status for the upcoming week. He left last week’s game with a head injury, and early indications are that it will not be serious. Prior to the injury, he found the end zone twice on his way to a day that totaled four catches for 62 yards. Ryan Fitzpatrick has hit him four times this season for touchdowns, a valuable statistic for a fantasy tight end.

WR Leonard Hankerson, Washington

Still owned in less than 50 percent of online leagues, Hankerson gets repeat billing in this week’s top listing. In mentioning him last week, we believed his playing time would not be affected by the return of Pierre Garcon, and it was not. His final stats were seven catches for 57 yards, but more importantly he was targeted 11 times. The numbers from this week are going to be typical of him every week going forward.

K Greg Zuerlein, St. Louis

Another week, another listing of a kicker in the weekly waiver story. Zuerlein has not missed this season, connecting on all 12 attempts, which have included three from 50-plus and five from 40-49 yards. Especially in those leagues that score bonus points based on the length of kick, don’t hesitate to upgrade your current kicker over to Zuerlein. Every fantasy point counts. If you have someone like Mason Crosby or Alex Henery (among others), slide over to Zuerlein and enjoy the increased production. The No. 2 fantasy kicker is not going to be sitting on the waiver wire for much longer, especially when our friends at fleaflicker.com have him listed as a top three pickup at his position this week.

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