A quick reminder of a couple of tools that we have for making waiver wire selections. First and foremost, our player projections have been up for Plus members by Sunday night every week so far this year. And they are once again up and ready for Plus members to review for Week Six.
Last week we had Bilal Powell (56% owned, 34.2 points scored), Vick Ballard (29% owned, 29.9 points scored), Brandon Bolden (72% owned, 24. points scored) or Deantre Lewis (48% owned, 17.6 points scored) in our Top Ten. If you were in need of a running back last week, how valuable would that information have been as you were putting in your waiver requests on Sunday night or Monday morning? Sure you could wait till Thursday when has everyone has these guys on their lists, but by then it's too late, they'll already be gone.
You know your going to start LaMichael James and Mark Ingram every week. Does it really matter what they project at? It's the diamonds in the rough that the computer spits on a weekly basis that is real value in my mind.
Also don't forget about our waiver wire page that looks at the top performers from the previous week and compares them to their % owned on Athlon. It is a quick and easy reference to see who is hot and who is available. Together these two bits of information should help you make the best waiver wire decisions possible.
Browsing a list of players who are unowned in at least 50% of Athlon leagues, I'm simply blown away by the talent. So if you are 0-5 right now, maybe consider dropping everyone, and starting from scratch? And if you are still holding on to Bert Reed in hopes of spot starting him, find one of many ample replacements!
BCS
Darron Thomas, QB, Oregon - Seriously, how is he not owned in all leagues right now? Averaging three scores, and just put up his first 100 yard rushing game. Just a hunch, but it probably won't be his last.
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia - Coming off a bye, it's a perfect time to sneak Smith past other managers. UNLV won't offer much resistance
Darren Evans, RB, Virginia Tech - Finally looks healthy, and his backfield mate isn't. Lots of soft opponents (Central Michigan, Wake Forest, and Duke) for Evans to gash while Ryan Williams works his way back.
Allen Bradford, RB, Southern Cal - Averaging 9.6 yards per carry - it's time for him to see more than the 52 touches he's had through five tilts. 21-223-2 last time out against Washington, so this may be your last chance to grab him. Marc Tyler's fumble last week certainly helps his cause as well.
Kris Burd, WR, Virginia - Time to start believing in Burd, and accept that a Cavalier is rosterable in BCS leagues. He's scored in every game this season, and has topped the century mark in three of them.
Gerell Robinson, WR, Arizona State - Finally healthy, Robinson is starting to tap in to his vast potential. 11 catches, 167 yards and a score through two games, and in an offense that pitches it around 40+ times...sign me up. As long as he's healthy.
Eric Lair, TE, Minnesota - In the never ending quest to find a legit option at tight end, take a peek at Mr. Lair. Ten catches, 169 yards and two scores in his last two games. He's hot right now, so why not give him a try?
All 120
Ryan Aplin, QB, Arkansas State - Aplin's rushing abilities were held in check last week by Louisville, but he still managed to throw for over 200 yards and a few scores. North Texas doesn't figure to offer the same resistence.
Doug Martin, RB, Boise State - This is too obvious, with D.J. Harper done for the year, Martin will be the go to running back for the Broncos. Don't let last week's 11 touches fool you - he'll get more when Boise needs him. And even with 11 touches he totaled 123 yards and two touchdowns.
Robbie Rouse, RB, Fresno State - Rouse actually hasn't been all that good to date, but with A.J. Ellis sidelined for a while, the Bulldogs need someone other than Ryan Coburn to produce. Rouse will get more than a chance to shine, and being able to add someone with 20+ carry potential this late in the year is a must.
Kris Adams, WR, UTEP - He's had one stinker this season, but more than atoned for that last week with his 5-141-2 outing. That's five touchdowns on the year, and it was just 2008 when Adams finished with 958 yards and 14 scores.