BREAKING NEWS: See below for an update on Brandon Jackson, who is now the No. 1 guy to get on waivers this week.
So it seems the Seahawks are a little less helpless than we expected them to be at the start of the season. The 49ers D/ST was a hot defense to target in drafts this preseason, but the San Francisco unit was embarrassed by Matt Hasselbeck Sunday in a 31-6 beat down. And that was just one of the games that revealed a few undrafted gems this weekend.
Mike Williams, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Matt Hasselbeck’s premiere target in the offense is now Mike Williams, who replaced T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the starting lineup after the Seahawks parted ways with the veteran wideout. While Williams didn’t score in the blowout victory Sunday, he played a significant role. Williams’ four catches for 64 yards led the team, and he was stopped just short of the goal on one of those four catches.
As long as the Seahawks can play like they did Sunday, Williams is a man worth owning. To keep the two fantasy relevant Mike Williams(es) straight, feel free to refer to the Seahawks’ Mike Williams as BMW, or Big Mike Williams. I’m told he’ll like that, but let’s be honest…I don’t care either way.
Mike Williams, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Drafted in many leagues after a productive preseason, this rookie wide receiver scored Sunday and could have had two if not for a high pass by Josh Freeman, still recovering from a broken thumb. He’ll see plenty of targets this season as Freeman matures/heals and as the Bucs, more than likely, play from behind. Go after him if his current owner doesn’t know what he has.
Brandon Jackson, RB, Green Bay Packers
BREAKING NEWS: Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer is reporting that Ryan Grant’s injury will put him on season-ending IR, which leaves Brandon Jackson as the No. 1 back in Green Bay. While some conflicting reports are still out there, ESPN’s Adam Schefter has also confirmed that Grant will need surgery on his ankle and miss at least 10-12 weeks. I’m in agreement with Footballguys.com’s Sigmund Bloom that Brandon Jackson is now a must-have. Bid or prioritize him on the waiver wire accordingly. See what I said about him this morning below and GO GET HIM PEOPLE! GO! NOW! MOVE!
As long as Ryan Grant is out, Jackson is the man in Green Bay. He should be productive enough to fill in as a full-time Grant replacement while the Packers offense rolls without its starting running back. In fact, Jackson is better at catching passes than Grant, which makes him more valuable than Grant was in PPR leagues.
Several times since Grant’s breakout season, we’ve heard rumors that Jackson could take the starting job from him in Green Bay, but Jackson’s health and inexperience has kept him from claiming the top spot. This opportunity is his best chance to show what he can do. If he compliments the Packers potent passing attack well while Grant is out, he could keep the job. Just keep that in mind.
Legedu Naanee, WR, San Diego Chargers
If you watched the second matchup of the Monday Night Football marathon last night, you saw Legedu Naanee sneak out for a 59-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. That was luck, but Naanee is bound to have more of it.
Malcom Floyd is the No. 1 in Vincent Jackson’s absence, but Naanee is another tall and perhaps equally talented wide receiver who Philip Rivers is more than willing to get the football to as long as he is open. The Chargers didn’t look so hot in their first showing Week 1, but as this offense rights the ship and, hopefully, gets starting LT Marcus McNeill back on the field, Naanee will only get better.
His value does depend on Vincent Jackson’s absence, but I don’t see Jackson playing for the Chargers again this season…or ever. So there’s that.
Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns
As we feared, Jerome Harrison lost touches to Hillis against the Bucs on Sunday, and Hillis recorded the only rushing touchdown for the Browns, even after Harrison did the hard work to get them there with a big run. It looks like Harrison will have to play Eric Mangini’s running back “Cupid Shuffle” again this season. Hillis is a guy to keep on your roster in the meantime, especially if he ends up carrying the rock for the Browns near the red zone.
Mark Clayton, WR, St. Louis Rams
The Rams passed the ball quite a bit on Sunday, and Clayton took advantage of his opportunities and racked up 119 yards. Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford also threw three picks on Sunday, which tells us they might not throw the ball as much in future contests, but for now, Clayton has immediately become a big part of this offense. He might not make it to the end zone often…or ever, but he could develop into a decent WR3, especially in PPR leagues.
Who else you got on the free agent wire? Give me names, and I’ll give you suggestions. You can also find plenty of waiver wire help at these fine establishments: Fantasy Football Librarian, The Hazean, The FF Geek Blog, Fanhouse, Razzball, FF Toolbox and a note on Michael Vick from KFFL.
