There is still some dust left to settle on week one. Folks are hungry to either make over their roster after a crushing Week One defeat, or find a little extra depth/potential breakout player to firm up the roster. Early week waiver options are a dime a dozen as the first week of the season offers countless breakout performances. But your job, and ours, is to help decipher fact from fiction.
Who has staying power on your free agent lists right now, and who stole the show with a few fluke carries against an NAIA school? For example, I think Lyle McCombs and Kevin Parks are terrific players. But I don't think either is likely to repeat his performance any time soon. Others however, may not have peaked just yet.
For a complete list of breakout performances from lesser-owned players, see our waiver report.
BCS
Tommy Rees, QB, Notre Dame - From the captain obvious department, Rees used one half against South Florida to stake his claim to the starting gig. 294 yards and two scores in a half shows you the potential of Rees and the Irish offense when things click. We haven't officially heard Rees will start over Dayne Crist, but this appears a mere formality.
Bryn Renner, QB, North Carolina - If you miss out on Rees, take a look at the new signal caller in Chapel Hill. Renner was virtually perfect against James Madison, completing 22-or-23 passes. Yes, he had one incomplete pass. And it was actually an interception! Renner is the real deal; he's got a couple of running backs to balance things out, and a terrific go-to receiver in Dwight Jones. There is every reason to think Renner can notch 220-250 yards and a couple scores on a weekly basis. He's one of the few new ACC quarterbacks whose stock is rising.
Dominique Whaley, RB, Oklahoma - Why shy away from controversy? There is some pretty good discussion going on regarding Whaley's value, so for a more in-depth look, click here. There is no way of telling you how this backfield will shake out next week, let alone through November. But the Sooners' offense is good enough that it will produce multiple, roster-worthy running backs. Whaley is absolutely worth putting on your roster while waiting to allow this situation to sort itself out. But don't use a #1 waiver claim on him thinking you'll get four scores again. And remember, Oklahoma is off this week, so he'll provide no immediate gratification.
Malcolm Agnew, RB, Oregon State - Being able to grab a true workhouse running back during waivers isn't an opportunity that presents itself often. Agnew had 33 carries, Oregon State's next closest running back saw three. Yes, it was against Sacramento State, but the Beaver passing game was an absolute disaster, so Agnew will be shouldering as many carries as he can until Ryan Katz gets things together. At 5-foot-8, 188 pounds, Agnew certainly looks and played the part of the man he's replacing. Maybe we've got Quizz, Version 2.0.
Chris Rainey, RB/WR, Florida - Could Rainey really be putting it all together in his final season? Is new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis really going to use Rainey like Percy Harvin? Honestly, who knows. But Rainey saw 17 touches against FAU, and provided 146 total yards and two scores. UAB doesn't figure to be much of an obstacle, so Rainey should see similar production. I won't blame you if you let him be another owner's headache, but I think Rainey is poised for a big, versatile senior campaign. He may even have dual-position eligibility in your league.
Darrin Moore, WR, Texas Tech - Moore is a late addition here, because I assumed he had to be on most rosters. Our stats disagree, as Moore is currently owned in just 43% of leagues. That number needs to double after this week, as he is firmly locked in as the Red Raiders' top receiver. A top ten statistical finish isn't out of the question here.
Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech - No, I'm not crazy for buying Hill this season. I'm well aware he won't be going for 184 yards and two scores weekly. But I think Hill is a great post-hype player who is going to be significantly valuable in most leagues. Quarterback Tevin Washington is a better passer than the 'Jackets are accustomed to having. They also have little to no separation from their B-Backs (or A-Backs for that matter.) What it all adds up to is I actually believe head coach Paul Johnson is serious about throwing the ball more often this season, and Hill is going to put his drop-laden 2010 campaign behind him.
Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson - A little ACC heavy this week, but it's probably because I think the ACC is often forgotten amongst the BCS conferences. Watkins had an impressive debut, and it's only going to get better for the freshman. His yardage total was actually a little disappointing this week, but the game-breaking plays will come. There's little reason to think he won't make at least five grabs most nights in this offense. He's only owned in 15% of leagues, a number that will gradually increase weekly. Don't sleep here.
All-120
Slim pickings here this week, as most non-BCS schools played payday games, and took it on the chin. TCU's quarterback Casey Pachall and wide receiver Josh Boyce are no-brain choices. Add them to the squad.
Chazz Anderson, QB, Buffalo - Frankly, I'd give real consideration to this entire offense, as the Bulls did a lot of things in the Steel City this weekend, they just failed to score. Anderson qualifies as the big fish in a small pond (having transferred from Cincinnati) and has two big receivers in 6-foot-4 Alex Neutz and 6-foot-5 Marcus Rivers. This unit looks improved across the board, and should offer nice value, starting next week against Stony Brook.
Reggie Bullock, RB, East Carolina - Looking at Bullock's production, you might wonder why you would want him on your team. 18 carries for 67 yards and three catches for 15 isn't anything to brag about. But sometimes, you just have to trust the system, and know the player can produce. Only one other Pirate back had carries against South Carolina, and he only just three touches from scrimmage. Bullock is the clear starter here, and you know Jonathan Williams was a very viable back a season ago. Bullock will find the sledding even tougher this week against Virginia Tech, but it would be wise to get in here early, and be patient while the Pirates' schedule eases up.
Donavon Kemp, WR, UTEP - His 2011 player preview says it all, "one of two returning starters for the Miners in 2011." After just one game, Kemp is now just 67 yards short of his receiving total from all of 2010. Teammate Mike Edwards did have more receptions, but it was Kemp making the big plays. This was an offense we recommended staying away from during the preseason - but it was a result of not knowing who would see the opportunities, not because it's a bad place for fantasy production. Quarterback Nick Lamaison should continue to be decent, and Kemp will enjoy catching deep passes against bad defenses.
Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina - I'm not as high as some of my colleagues on Hardy, but you can't just glance over what he did against South Carolina. It was the first game of his career, and he hauled in 11 passes. As noted above, the Pirates take on Virginia Tech this week. They also welcome back presumed #2 wide receiver, Michael Bowman, from suspension. That's the bad news. The good news is ECU passes about 50 times per game, so there is enough to go around.