Week Eight Waiver Wire Pickups Nov 3, 2009 | More

Not a whole lot to be excited about on this week's waiver wire.  There's a developing running back controversy out in Houston that is going to be interesting to watch, and there are rumblings in Detroit that a shared situation is developing there as well.  A couple of tight ends are listed here for those of you in deep leagues, don't be afraid to make sure you have a solid backup at this position.  Those of you that play a team defense, don't forget to continue to play the matchup game.  There are some offensive offenses out there (ie. Browns), so don't be afraid to keep shuffling defenses from the waiver wire into your starting lineup. 

On to this week's waiver wire wonders ...

Smokin' Hot
RB Ryan Moats, Houston
Things can't get any worse for Steve Slaton owners.  They've been waiting all season for him to go over a hundred yards, and the Bills were the perfect opponent for him to get it done.  A first quarter fumble later, Slaton is on the sideline and watching as Moats goes for 126 yards and three touchdowns (THREE!!?!).  Moats also chipped in catching two balls for 25 yards.  No one is certain what will happen going forward, not even the coach.  One thing is certain, Moats should be owned in all formats. 

TE Fred Davis, Washington
We talked about Davis in this space last week.  If Davis is still on your waiver wire after the Redskins bye week, then get out there and claim him.  Davis will step right in and produce at a level very close to the injured Chris Cooley. 

Solid Pickups
WR Malcolm Floyd, San Diego
With the release of Chris Chambers, the Chargers have handed the starting job opposite Vince Jackson to Floyd.  Ignore his numbers up to this point and take him as the top wide out off this week's waiver wire.  He'll be left alone in single coverage, especially at the goal line.  He should be owned in all formats. 

RB Maurice Morris, Detroit
The Lions are another team that has a share situation developing at running back.  With Kevin Smith's injury list piling up, Morris saw enough of the field this past week to run for 63 yards.  Detroit isn't going to light the world on fire with their running game, but Morris stands to see an increased role down the stretch.  He should be owned in all formats. 

TE Joel Dreessen, Houston
With Owen Daniels out for the season and rookie James Casey also on the shelf for another week or two, Dreessen will step in as the Texans starter.  Houston is a team that uses their tight end in their passing game (Daniels was on pace for 80 catches), so expect Dreessen to see some immediate action. 

On The Radar
TE Spencer Havner, Green Bay
Even with Donald Lee in the mix, the fantasy owner can no longer ignore Havner's numbers.  As the Packers have struggled to keep their quarterback standing upright, they've had to rely more on their tight ends.  Havner found the endzone in week seven, and this past week he scored two touchdowns.  There won't be the potential for a ton of yards here, but owners in deep leagues in need of a touchdown threat from the tight end position will find their man in Havner.   

TE Kevin Boss, New York Giants
With the Giants struggling on both sides of the ball, this has created some space for their tight end.  Though Boss is only pulling in three catches or so per game, he broke a long one this past week and also found the end zone.  

Deep and/or Dynasty Only
TE James Casey, Houston
The rookie is out for at least a week, but when he returns, Owen Daniel's absence will put him on the field immediately.  Keep an eye on this as there is the potential for Casey to quickly surpass Dreessen and become the starter. 

RB Leonard Weaver, Philadelphia
Brian Westbrook not playing this past week opened up the door for Weaver to get some playing time.  He was the number two behind LeSean McCoy, and went for 75 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles' beat down of the Giants.  Westbrook has not been the picture of health, so games he doesn't play will continue to be opportunities for Weaver.