As the first Sunday of the 2010 NFL Season is less than 12 hours away, there are some waiver-wire players that you should keep an eye on. Keep in mind that all of these guys are owned in less than 25% of fantasy leagues, and in my opinion, could end up having a significant fantasy impact by season’s end.
I’m surprised that Gonzalez is as available as he is (owned in 24% of leagues), and that the Indianapolis Colts have demoted him to 4th on the depth-chart. However, I’m sure the only reasoning behind his “benching,” is that he is coming off injury from 2009, and the Colts are now comfortable with Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie on the field at the same time. We all know Peyton Manning doesn’t care who is catching the ball for Colts, as long as they are doing just that. Watch for how productive Gonzalez is from that 4-spot against the Houston Texans, because he could end up being worth a week 2 pick-up.
Huggins is relatively unknown, but with the release of Derrick Ward last week, don’t expect that to last too much longer. Huggins is an undrafted free agent out of Hofstra. In 2009, he ran a 4.28 40-yard-dash at the combine; so he’s got some wheels. His upside doesn’t stop there. He sits right behind Cadillac Williams on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers depth-chart, and with Williams’ injury history, he’s not far from being a starting running back in the NFL. Even if Williams manages to stay 100% healthy this season, we can assume he’ll be doing so on limited carries. I mean, I don’t see him shouldering 350 plus. It’s a two back league these days, so Huggins will get his touches, and with his skill-set, he’s always a threat to take it to the house.
Clayton’s fantasy-worth has risen as much as any other player in the last week. The St. Louis Rams recently acquired Clayton from the Baltimore Ravens for “late-round considerations,” and I believe he is exactly what rookie quarterback, Sam Bradford, needs. After a knee-injury sidelined Donnie Avery for the season, the Rams were in desperate need of a veteran receiver. I have no-doubt that Laurant Robinson will still be a solid receiver this season, but once Clayton is up-to-speed with the offense, he’ll quickly become the go-to guy.
It’s no secret, the New England Patriots love to throw the ball. Now I know no one is going to supplant Randy Moss or Wes Welker, but Tate will get his share of looks. It’s likely that Moss will be double-covered all season, and Welker will be the secondary focus for most defenses. Therefore, with Julian Edelman questionable for Sunday against the Bengals, Tate is primed for man-to-man targets all-day. And with Tom Brady as his quarterback, it’s a safe bet that if he gets open, he’ll get the ball.
Michael Jenkins has been ruled out of the Atlanta Falcons game at Pittsburgh, and this could be the week that Matt Ryan finds a better receiver to opposite Roddy White. Douglas showed flashes as a deep threat as a rookie in 2008, but missed all of 2009 due to injury. The Falcons need a deep threat and someone has to benefit from the double-coverage that White commands. Might I add that defenses are also loading the box in an attempt to stop pro-bowl running back, Michael Turner. Don’t be surprised if Matty-ice develops a rapport with Douglas, come Sunday.
