Week 2 Waiver Wire

Let's take a look at who we should be picking up this week:

QB:

Michael Vick - There's just no way Kevin Kolb will be ready this week.  He's not scheduled to practice until Friday at the earliest, and I don't see any reason the Eagles would rush him back to face the Lions.  Vick will get at least one start, but as Reid has clearly stated, Kolb is his starter despite Vick's impressive 2nd half.  Vick will be an exciting QB1 this week against the Lions, so if you're looking for a 1 week starter, he's your guy.  He's also worth hanging onto in case Kolb comes back and falters again.  Vick is ready to be a starting QB again in the NFL.  He's worth using a waiver claim, but only if you're going to use him this week.

Sam Bradford - Bradford had a solid debut despite the interceptions, and it seems clear that the Rams are willing to let him air it out when necessary, at least for now.  If you have someone like Matt Moore on your bench, I think Bradford offers more upside.  He's nothing more than a backup at this stage, but he could prove to be useful on a bye week.

RB:

Brandon Jackson - Jackson is the no brainer, #1 waiver claim this week.  Even if you don't need a RB, use your #1 claim on him.  He's now the every down RB for the Packers, and while he might not get goal line carries as FB John Kuhn is rumored to be the top option for that role, Jackson is going to rack up total yardage and post some scores.  He's immediately an every week RB2.

Peyton Hillis - Hillis is the lead RB for the Browns, surprisingly ahead of Jerome Harrison.  They're going to split carries pretty much down the middle, but Hillis is the goal line RB, and he can catch passes as well.  He's not an exciting pickup, but he can be a decent bye week fill-in.

Fred Taylor - With Maroney gone, the Patriots have successfully increased the average age of the RBs into somewhere near the social security range.  All jokes aside, Taylor has even more job security now, and he's clearly the lead back of this offense.  He's 34 and injury-prone, but he's a reasonable end-of-the-roster stash and he can be an emergency bye week fill-in during the right matchup.


WR:

Mark Clayton - Clayton emerged as the go-to WR for Bradford and the Rams immediately in week 1, so he's well worth adding for WR depth.  Bradford isn't going to throw 50+ times each week, but Laurent Robinson hasn't flashed in his return from a torn ACL, and Danny Amendola is limited in talent.  Clayton has a real chance to be this team's top receiver.  He's always had the talent, but consistency has eluded him thus far.

Mike Williams (SEA) - Williams legitimately looked good in week 1.  He's not going to blow the top off of a defense with his speed, but he flashed solid after-the-catch ability, and much like Clayton above, he doesn't have a lot of talent to compete with for looks.  Deion Branch just isn't very good, and Deon Butler isn't starting yet.  He's a huge target and could be a great red zone option for the Seahawks.  He's good WR depth.

TE:

Tony Scheffler - I drafted him as my TE2 in both of my 12 team/16 roster spot leagues, but I don't think he's owned in a lot of leagues.  He's not going to light up the scoreboard, but he's going to consistent gain yardage as essentially a slot receiver in the Detroit offense.  He has the speed to make big plays as well.  Stafford going out will hurt his big play ability, but he's going to rack up receptions and could be the 2nd leading receiver on the team this season.  He's a great TE2.

Marcedes Lewis - I have to list him here as he'll be popular after a 2 TD week 1, but I wouldn't bother.  Until I see Lewis used consistently outside of the red zone, he's just not going to be a consistent fantasy factor.

Jermaine Gresham - Gresham is a player.  This guy a big-time talent as a receiver, but his upside is limited by two target hounds named Ochocinco and Owens.  He's a solid TE2 worth stashing to see what happens this season, but expect inconsistency.