Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
I don’t know that I’ve seen the waiver wire roll over at such a frequent pace in the past.
Myriad NFL coaches are already switching up the quarterback position of their respective teams, thereby making potential fantasy heroes out of new receivers and tight ends. Some fantasy owners are already cutting bait on sluggish, would-be stars after only two weeks.
Patience is a virtue, so they say, but owners aren’t buying it. They’re seeking the next diamond in the rough or looking for a quick-fix to a depth or injury issue. Mike Vick, Mike Tolbert and Brandon Jackson stand as the top three waiver heroes thus far.
The tight end position is also undergoing change, as owners try to determine the long-term value of their draft-day “sleepers” and late-roster fillers. Do you swap it up, or stay the course?
Let’s see which of the 2010 risers crack this week’s “Lineup Calls.”
Top 5 Tight Ends
Tight End Sleepers
Tony Moeaki vs. San Francisco
Moeaki has emerged as the top option for Matt Cassel early this season. He’s amassed eight receptions for 79 yards and scored in the opener against the Chargers. Moeaki is on the radar this weekend in the short passing game against the aggressive San Francisco defense that comes into Kansas City hungry for a win. He was targeted 10 times last week. I anticipate another high target count this weekend.
Aaron Hernandez vs. Buffalo
Hernandez has become a favorite underneath target for Tom Brady. He caught a 45-yard pass in the opener, and then racked up 101 receiving yards on six receptions in the Week 2 loss to the Jets (including a 46-yard reception). Look for Brady and company to open the passing game up this weekend in front of the home crowd.
Tight End Flops
Kellen Winslow vs. Pittsburgh
Winslow has caught four passes from Josh Freeman in back-to-back games, and I suspect that he remains a highly-targeted option this weekend against Pittsburgh. As such, Winslow remains worthy of a look-see in PPR leagues. However, I’m not anticipating a big game from anyone on the Buccaneers this weekend (except perhaps Connor Barth). Start him, but don’t expect big returns.
Heath Miller at Tampa Bay
Miller caught two passes for just three yards in Week 2 against the Titans. I expect him to be somewhat more active this weekend against the Buccaneers, but he’s a difficult play until Ben Roethlisberger gets back under center. I still anticipate that we see a huge workload from Rashard Mendenhall and that the passing game leaves us wanting. Charlie Batch may surprise us and work the ball downfield, but I can’t anticipate a big effort here, and depth at the tight end position puts Miller on the outs this week.
