Week Three Waiver Wire Pickups Sep 29, 2009 | More

Injuries to the major players are starting to take their toll.  Unlike the Frank Gore owners who had the pleasure of watching their first draft pick carry the ball once then leave the game, at least those Brian Westbrook owners that were online at 12:30 were able to sub him out of their lineup.  A trio of quarterbacks are hurt, hurting, or have been replaced so this week presents itself an opportunity to get an NFL starter if you need one to cover a bye.  Top runners getting hurt creates opportunity at the bottom of an NFL team's depth chart so those of you dynasty leaguers with room can dig out a couple from the depths. 

Also of note, it's been three weeks, that's a trend.  If your kicker or defense is not performing at least in the middle of the pack at their position, then look to upgrade.  Adam Vinatieri owners, Dallas Cowboys owners, you can do better.  Don't be afraid to pull the trigger and upgrade your team in any and every way possible. 

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

Smokin' Hot
WR Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis
I am now a believer.  He's got plenty of speed and skills, and Manning is loving him.  Plus he's got a little fire under his belly, willing to stand up to anyone.  Garcon will be a solid fantasy starter for the foreseeable future. 

RB Tashard Choice, Dallas
Not a lot of explaining necessary here as Choice went for over 100 total yards in the second half of Monday night's game.  If both Felix Jones and Marion Barber are out, then Choice will fill in beautifully.  If available, he should be owned in all formats. 

RB Glen Coffee, San Francisco
I see that Coffee is available in many leagues, not unexpected given that the rookie was behind Frank Gore and the Niners rarely use their backup.  That is, until now, Gore looks to be out for about three weeks, so Coffee should be claimed in all formats. 

Solid Pickups
WR Earl Bennett, Chicago
I know, I know, I can't make up my mind on the Bears wide outs.  One week it's Knox, this week it's Bennett.  Unfortunately, the Knox-Bennett situation is going to cancel itself out on a weekly basis, so if you have room in deep leagues, stash Bennett (or Knox) and hope that the other gets hurt. 

WR Keenan Burton, St.Louis
With waiver wire wonder Laurent Robinson done for the season, that opens the door for Burton to step into the starting lineup.  The Rams are literally falling apart at the seams so keep expectations here low, but rare is the opportunity to acquire a starting NFL WR at this point in the season. 

On The Radar
RB Michael Robinson, San Francisco
Robinson will serve as Glen Coffee's backup while Frank Gore is out.  Expect him to get a fair amount of time as the Niners probably aren't confident that Coffee can carry the load 100% like Gore. 

QB Chad Henne, Miami
The Dolphins look like they will be without Chad Pennington for the remainder of the season.  Again, here's an opportunity to acquire a starting NFL quarterback to cover a bye week or injury.  Let's not forget what happened to the last Wolverine quarterback that got his chance because of an injury.  No, the Dolphins won't win the Superbowl, but Michigan quarterbacks (of the past) come into the NFL prepared to play. 

QB Josh Johnson, Tampa Bay
The Bucs are going with the best available 'Johnson' at quarterback, with Josh replacing the ineffective Byron Leftwich.  With quarterback's starting to go down in twos, if you are in need of some depth, at least Johnson will be on the field. 

QB Kyle Boller, St.Louis
Though the reports were positive on Marc Bulger's shoulder, those of you in deep league's would be wise to take a look at Boller.  The Rams will be playing from behind early and often, so owning the starting quarterback has some value just based on the volume of throws.  Boller has looked good when given the chance. 

Deep and/or Dynasty Only
RB Rock Cartwright, Washington
It seems like every week Clinton Portis is coming up with another small injury.  These are starting to add up.  If he misses any time, that would shuffle the depth chart up a notch in Washington, deeper leagues need only apply here. 

RB Kory Sheets, San Francisco
Sheets is way down on the practice squad, but keep an eye on the length of Gore's injury, which at current report stands to be about three weeks.