Fantasy Football: Waiver Wire Studs or Duds From Week 8

Photo Credit: Jack Dempsey – Associated Press

This past week, the Fantasy football world experienced history, as Ben Roethlisberger put up his second 500+ passing yards game in his career, becoming the only quarterback with more than one 500+ yard game. We all saw another great game from Jamaal Charles and Arian Foster, along with the usual Rob Gronkowski breakout game. However, it is the players who are barely owned in Fantasy leagues that are in the cross-hairs, as Fantasy owners will be checking and submitting claims for many players who had career nights or another game to catch one’s attention. But are these players worth owning and even starting (studs), or is their great game a fluke (duds)? Read Here:

Kyle Orton – Buffalo Bills – QB: When the Buffalo Bills decided to sit EJ Manuel after week four, veteran Kyle Orton stepped up and has led the team to a 3-1 record (now 5-3). Although he has five turnovers in four games, Orton has thrown for 1,128 yards and nine touchdowns including four this past week against the New York Jets. Orton is not a very mobile quarterback, but his ability to stay in the pocket and make consistent throws is what has led him to such a great run. The veteran quarterback has always been solid, but after losing his job in Denver Orton bounced around, trying to regain his starting position. Eventually, he found the Bills, who gave him the opportunity after Manuel was not playing to their expectations. Ever since he has been the starter he has put up four straight games of 14 Fantasy points or more. Final Verdict: Heading into a bye week, Orton is not worth an addition just to sit on your bench. However, when he returns against Kansas City, expect another solid game from ‘ol reliable.

Ronnie Hillman – Denver Broncos – RB: If Ronnie Hillman has not been added in your Fantasy league, this week is the perfect time to grab him. When Montee Ball went down with injury, Hillman stepped ‘up to the plate’, putting together a great string of games. In his three weeks as a starter, Hillman has put up double digit Fantasy numbers including two 100 yard games (his two touchdowns came in the game where he rushed under 100 yards). The Broncos expected Hillman to be a future starter in the NFL, but he dealt with fumbling problems which resulted in him losing his job multiple times. Ball’s timetable is still unclear and with Hillman’s great play as of late, he may runaway with the starting job. He is just owned in 30 percent of Fantasy leagues, which means there is a good chance he is available. Final Verdict: Hillman is worth the addition, even if Ball returns in a few weeks from now. He has played very well and should be a starting running back in all Fantasy leagues.

Jonas Gray – New England Patriots – RB: With the injury to Stevan Ridley, running backs Shane Vereen and Jonas Gray will take over the run game for the Patriots. Gray was promoted from the practice squad two games ago, but finally got a solid workload this past Sunday. Gray rushed for 86 yards on 17 rushes, getting the ball 12 more times than the starting back, Vereen. Gray will presumably take over most of the running duties while Vereen becomes the passing back – with some rushes here and there. It is still unknown if Gray will touch the ball more, or if this week was different because the Patriots dominated early, but one cannot deny his success in his second game. Final Verdict: Gray could be a solid addition, but Vereen may have been given less touches because the Patriots got ahead early. But, in deeper leagues, Gray is definitely worth a shot. He is a low risk, high reward type of player.

Donte Moncrief – Indianapolis Colts – WR: A breakout game in week eight from Donte Moncrief has Fantasy owners turning their heads, asking themselves “Who is this guy and could he become a solid Fantasy option?” The rookie wideout for the Colts caught seven passes for 113 yards including a touchdown. He was targeted 12 times in Sunday’s loss, more than half of his total targets this year (23). However, Moncrief is close to worthless in Fantasy. Before this past week, Moncrief has not scored a single Fantasy point since week four. The reason he had more opportunities stems from Reggie Wayne, who hurt is elbow and was inactive. Wayne will be listed as questionable, but once he returns Moncrief will be a backup waiting for another opportunity to prove his worth. Final Verdict: Moncrief is not worth the waiver wire addition, as he is only doing well while Wayne is out.

Brandon LaFell – New England Patriots – WR: Brandon LaFell has been a solid receiver, especially with Tom Brady throwing to him. All 11 of his targets resulted in a completion, as the wide out accumulated 124 yards and a touchdown. LaFell has been Brady’s favorite target this year (Rob Gronkowski was hurt, so LaFell was the go-to guy), but he has been struggling to put up consistent numbers. Over the past six weeks, LaFell has scored over 17 Fantasy points three times, but the other three resulted in five points or less. However, with Brady transitioning to mid-season form, LaFell may become a solid flex option as the season progresses. Final Verdict: LaFell should be added in 12-team leagues and considered in 10-team leagues. He is a great substitution week-to-week because of the amount of targets he receives.

Tim Wright – New England Patriots – TE: Another New England Patriot who has been surprised many with his recent play is Tim Wright. The athletic tight end is becoming the new Aaron Hernandez, in a sense. He became the second tight end alongside Rob Gronkowski and is becoming a threat in his new offense after being traded in the offseason. Wright is not as consistent as Hernandez. Although he has three touchdowns, he has just 17 receptions for 182 yards. Last week, Wright had seven receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. Although he has had two games in which he accumulated over 21 yards, over the last four games, he scored all of his three touchdowns. Final Verdict: Wright is a weak option at tight end, but he has been very dominant in the red zone. He may be a solid addition in deeper leagues if you are dealing with struggling tight ends like Travis Kelce, Larry Donnell, Jared Cook, or possibly Jason Witten.

Looks like New England runs away with three studs who may be worth a flier in this week’s waiver wire. For any questions or Fantasy help, you can reach Charlie DiSturco on Twitter, @disturcocharlie