Erin Skelley, aka "Erin the Fantasy Girl" on SportsRadio 610 in Houston, digs, mines and rummages for Week 2's waiver-wire wonders.
Let me be clear: I'm a waiver-wire extremist. No pick is beneath me. No timing is inappropriate. No circumstance challenges my moral compass. I love the wire, even when it doesn't love me back. As I reminisce, vintage darlings Tashard Choice, Peyton Hillis and Ron Dayne come to mind – all special picks forever engraved in my fantasy heart.
I'm convinced you can't win at fake football without shopping the wire regularly. I realize this practice makes some owners nervous. Some are worried they'll pick the wrong guy. And I assure you, this will happen. Or drop the wrong guy. Yes, this, too, will happen. Or perhaps they think they'll regret it in the morning. Yes, you will have regrets. Lots of them. But you can't win by playing it safe, unless you're playing for mediocrity. And that fifth-place trophy is as meaningful as my swim-team participation ribbons.
But relax, my friends. I'm here to help. Every week, I'll spotlight a few of my favorite free agents. Without further adieu, here are this week's waiver-wire wonders:
Kevin Ogletree, WR, Dallas Cowboys – Ogletree kicked off the "open wire" season when he reeled in eight receptions for 114 yards, including two touchdowns, in the NFL's season opener. It's easy to mock those who claim the Cowboys' anonymous third receiver. I mean, really, what are the chances the hot hand continues? But remember last year's third man? Laurent Robinson finished 2011 with a career-best 54 receptions for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns. And yep, he was a waiver prize. Ogletree deserves the same courtesy. Owned in 42 percent of Yahoo! leagues and climbing.
Stephen Hill, WR, New York Jets – Who? He plays professional football for the New York Jets. Hill and his teammates proved that they have the ability to score touchdowns – lots of them – as they embarrassed the Buffalo Bills in a 48-28 rout. The rookie wideout caught five receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns. New favorite target of Mark Sanchez, perhaps? Jump on this bandwagon while you can. Available in 84 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins – Another Sunday sensation, Morris ran for 96 yards on 28 carries, plus two scores. Now this is Washington, home of the original running back roulette, so claim Morris at your own risk. Would I claim him? Um, I actually drafted him. Still, claim him in deep leagues (or desperate situations) knowing that every week, you'll be at the mercy of Mike Shanahan. Available in 71 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – Even though Isaac Redman drew the start, Dwyer had the more impressive game – 4.8 YPC (11 carries for 43 yards) vs. Redman's 1.9 YPC. Until Rashard Mendenhall returns, consider this Dwyer's job to lose. This week, he faces a Jets defense that surrendered 195 ground yards to the Bills last week. Available in 82 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans – Yeah, I know he's already owned in 68 percent of Yahoo! leagues, but this number should be higher. In a sea of average tight ends, Daniels' chemistry with Matt Schaub (and his production) will place him among the top at his position. With four catches for 87 yards in Week 1, he's a nice second receiver when Andre Johnson is double covered. And this week, the Texans take on Jacksonville, which yielded the third-most fantasy points to tight ends last year. Get him and start him.
Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers – If I could stockpile this player, I would. His nine catches for 77 yards along with a returned punt TD got my attention. And it gets even better! Or worse, depending on your vantage point. Greg Jennings is nursing a pulled groin, which could keep him out of the lineup Thursday night when the Packers take on the Bears. Next batter up is Cobb. Swing for the fences, Randall! Available in 52 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Erin Skelley joins Houston Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She'll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.
