Week Three Waiver Wire Pickups Sep 18, 2007 | More

Two Weeks are in the books, a little more of a sample size to judge players, and as was the case last week, injuries continue to play a role in some of the names that appear on this list.  Hopefully your fantasy team(s) have been able to pick up at least one win in the early going, if not, perhaps being at the top of your waiver wire will help your team out.  Let's get right into it and see if we can't unearth some gems. 

Smokin' Hot

RB DeShawn Wynn, Green Bay
I'm not ready to write off Brandon Jackson after only two weeks, as clearly the Packers want their top rookie to excel. However, the numbers don't lie up to this point. Jackson has been ineffective while Wynn found the end zone not once, but twice this past week. This coupled with the fact that word out of Green Bay is that "...Wynn's role will increase..." spells opportunity to the fantasy owner at the top of this week's waiver wire order. Should Jackson continue to struggle, the Packers would have no problem moving his playing time over to Wynn.

WR Brandon Marshall, Denver
If not for a penalty, Marshall would have added a touchdown to his 82 yards of work last week. Week one he did hit paydirt to go along with 52 yards, so the Broncos clearly have confidence Marshall's ability. At worst, Marshall is looking like a starting fantasy WR3 and/or a bye week fill in.

WR Nate Burleson, Seattle
Burleson's numbers aren't going to jump out at anyone, 4 catches for 80 yards and a touchdown combined in two games worth of work. That said, Burleson has stepped up in the absence of the injured DJ Hackett, so I see these numbers increasing to the point where he could also be considered a WR3/bye filler.

Solid Pickups

WR Jacoby Jones, Houston
Another player to consider, especially for this week, is the Houston Jones. Jones could be in this week's starting lineup as it looks like Andre Johnson is going to be on the shelf. I wouldn't expect him to put up the same numbers, but if he puts up half, that's a pretty good days work.

WR Dennis Northcutt, Jacksonvile
I never thought Northcutt got a chance to excel in Cleveland. Once in a while he'd have a pretty good game, but the Browns offense was so inept that consistency was impossible. With the Jaguars, all Northcutt has done is put up 57 and 75 yards, which is certainly worth a pick up if you have the roster room and a need at WR.

QB David Garrard, Jacksonville
Speaking of the Jaguars, with Byron Leftwich kicked to the curb, that left Garrard to carry the load. Very quietly this season he's proving that Jacksonville made the right decision, throwing for 204 and 272 yards in the first two games. More importantly, 2 touchdown throws and zero interceptions. While your opposition is tripping over themselves trying to get Derek Anderson, go ahead and grab Garrard and you won't be disappointed.

On the Radar

TE Jeff King, Carolina
King isn't setting the world on fire, but if you are hard up for a TE, a guy that is averaging 4.5 catches and 37 yards isn't a bad find on the waiver wire.

K Nick Folk, Dallas
The Cowboys are another team that opened up this season with a rookie kicker, and now that we've seen him for two weeks, it's time to put him on the fantasy radar. Three field goals this past week proves that Dallas has confidence in him, as well as the offense to put him in position to score. Worth considering as your bye week filler as well as keeping an eye on him should he continue to excel.

Dynasty Only

TE Matt Spaeth, Pittsburgh
The Steelers rookie has only registered three catches on the season, but two of those catches were in the end zone. Keep an eye on this rookie, touchdowns in each of his first games is a pretty good sign that he could excel in the future.

QB Derek Anderson, Cleveland
Yes, I know, I've seen the numbers, and most other publications as a knee jerk reaction will put Anderson at the top of their weekly waiver wire article. I'm just not seeing it. Five touchdowns in his starting debut is certainly impressive, but did you see that Bengals defense? Ouch.  Horrible! Let's not forget about a gentleman named Brady Quinn that the Browns are paying a lot of money. Plus, don't you get the feeling that like the rookie starting pitcher in baseball that does well in his debut, he might fall flat in his second start now that the rest of the league now has film on him? If it were me, I would rather grab Garrard. Those of you in a dynasty situation, definitely get out there and grab Anderson if you can. If nothing else, he's proved that he can play in this league. I think that his real value is long term, and not short term, as at some point, Quinn will be given his time.