It’s getting tougher to find the competent players on the waiver wire in fantasy football. But with bye weeks coming up for most NFL teams, fantasy football owners will be in search of that one-week replacement that may potentially turn into a viable option.
Here’s a few players to consider when combing the waiver wire this week.
Ronnie Hillman, running back, Denver Broncos
In most standard 12-team fantasy football leagues, Hillman is likely still on the waiver wire.
After this week, that likely won’t be the case.
Hillman totaled more than 100 yards rushing Sunday against Minnesota and with C.J. Anderson struggling in Denver, it appears that Hillman will see his workload increase.
The two running backs evenly split carries against the Vikings, with Hillman having the much more productive day. With quarterback Peyton Manning throwing the ball less and the defense dominating the opposition, the Broncos are focusing more on the run.
That plan will likely include Hillman going forward. Regardless who is on your roster for running backs, Hillman is a quality addition because of his upside.
Anthony Dixon, running back, Buffalo Bills
With starter LeSean McCoy likely out with injury and backup Karlos Williams suffering from a concussion, Dixon is the next man up for the Bills.
It’s not an ideal situation for fantasy football owners based on Dixon’s limited upside, and possible no benefit if Williams passes through the league’s concussion protocol. But if neither running back can go, then Dixon is likely the choice to get the majority of carries for a team that likes to run the ball.
The Bills are attempting 30 carries per game this season, the seventh-most carries by a team in the NFL. That won’t stop with a new running back.
Dixon should be picked up off the waiver wire as a precautionary move just in case he gets the start.
Theo Riddick, running back, Detroit Lions
Are you in a PPR league? If so, then Riddick may be a quality addition.
He’s in a crowded backfield with Ameer Abdullah and Joique Bell, but he’s getting plenty of receptions. With Bell out this past week, Riddick played near the amount of snaps that Abdullah played on offense.
That’s a good sign for anyone looking to grab some points with receptions. Riddick is second on the team and second among running backs this season with 20 catches. The Lions’ offense isn’t very good, but Riddick is getting plenty of volume at the running back position with receptions.
Tavon Austin, wide receiver, St. Louis Rams
The Rams continue to attempt to keep Austin involved in the offense.
Last week, that paid dividends against Arizona.
Austin managed 23.60 points, collecting six catches on seven targets and rushing for 20 yards. He has rushing yards in three of four games this season, and Nick Foles has not shied away from targeting Austin throughout the season.
He’s not an elite receiver, and can’t be counted on for a weekly double-digit total. But depending on your situation with the wide receiver position, he could create quality depth for upcoming bye weeks.
Ted Ginn, wide receiver, Carolina Panthers
Many fantasy football owners have delayed picking up Ginn, despite his fantasy football points thus far. We’ve seen Ginn as a boom-or-bust guy, but with Carolina, he’s proven through four weeks to be more than just a deep threat.
Just look at last week. He had two receptions for 18 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Cam Newton has to throw to somebody, and if Greg Olsen is covered, then Ginn appears to be the next option.
Ginn already has three touchdowns and has scored nine or more points in three of four games this season.
Without any other weapons, the Panthers are forced to look at Ginn as a volume receiver. With 25 targets through four games, we’re beginning to see the light on that.
Despite the bye this week, don’t pass him up on the waiver wire.
Allen Hurns, wide receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars
Hurns turned in a monster performance last week with 15 targets for the Jaguars en route to scoring 17.60 points in fantasy football.
He continues to amass solid yardage totals, with last week as his first effort with more than 100 yards receiving. In the other three games this season, he’s still accumulated 70, 68 and 60 yards receiving.
Quarterback Blake Bortles appears comfortable with Hurns, and with the Jaguars playing so many games in the catch-up mode, Hurns may continue to see plenty of targets. He should still be on your waiver wire in a standard 12-team league, so pick him up now before other owners get wiser.
