Fantasy Football Sleeper and Waiver Wire Watch Week 9

As you head into the second half of the season you should be think about the upcoming fantasy playoffs. If you are in great position - records of 7-1, 6-22, etc - you might want to look over the schedule for your players during your leagues playoffs to get a feel for who has good match-ups and who doesn’t. If you are still battling it out to make the playoffs - records of 4-4, 3-5 etc - keep pluggin along and keep improving your roster.

No matter where you are at, it is a good idea for you to look over this list and see if there are any players that you can use to improve your team.

May be available now…

Chad Pennington QB (MIA) - Two 300 yard performances and an upcoming schedule that includes the Denver and Seattle pass defenses makes him a solid QB2 and a great QB1 spot start. Give him a look if you are in need in the next few weeks.

Matt Ryan QB (ATL) - He’s been on this list for three weeks now. It is pretty obvious that he is unlike any other rookie QB since maybe Dan Marino. If he can do 277 and 2 touchdowns against the Eagles, Oakland, New Orleans and Denver - his next three opponents - shouldn’t be a problem. He should be on someones team, why not yours?

Pierre Thomas / Aaron Stecker RB (NO) - With Reggie Bush out for a few weeks and Deuce facing a possible suspension for juicing it up, these guys will provide some decent fantasy production. I would be all over Pierre but he didn’t really show much earlier in the season when he had a chance. That said, he does have the most upside of the two. Stecker is my choice in a PPR leagues. He had 5 catches for 27 versus the Bolts.

Kevin Faulk RB (NE) - If Morris and Jordan continue to miss time, Faulk is going to continue to be a solid play as a RB2, RB3 or flex. If you can afford to keep him on the bench do it. If no, keep him close and watch the progress of the other two.

Ahman Green RB (HOU) - He is unusually healthy and really cutting into Slatons time. This week he posted 41 yards on 9 carries and does get the occasional goaline carry. He could be worth something in a deep league in a pinch.

Cedric Benson RB (CIN) - The desperate owners only deep league special. He is here because he starts but that is about it at this point.

Donnie Avery WR (STL) - He was getting getting better and better every week - 4 for 73 and 4 for 55 with TD - and then BAM 6 for 163 and a touchdown this week. Combined that with a few soft defenses over the next month and he has is a potential late season stud. Grab him if you can.

Nate Washington WR (PIT) - With Santonio Holmes getting suspended, Washington should see some more time in an above average passing offense. He only had catch this week but it was for 65 yards and touchdown and they did throw to him often.

Keep an eye on…

Tyler Thigpen QB (KC) - 280 and a two touchdowns against the Jets. Could it be he is starting to figure it out a little? Hard to say yet but if he does well next week he may be worth a spot in deeper leagues going forward.

Shaun Hill QB (SF) - Came in for O’Sullivan after a bad interception. Not sure if he is the starter now and I’m not sure how he will do if he is but watch him a few weeks from now when he returns from a bye. In a Mike Martz offence he could present some value in deeper leagues or leagues that start two QB’s.

Antonio Pittman RB (STL) - 19 carries for 83 yards to go with 3 catches for 22 yards isn’t stellar but if you need someone to plug in he makes a decent start. Watch Stephen Jacksons status for next week if he can’t go again, Pittman look like he will get the majority of the work.

Ted Ginn Jr. WR (MIA) -7 catches for 175 yards should help to calm the high draft pick bust talk but it isn’t quite enough for me to add him to my fantasy squad yet unless you are starting 3 in a deep league. Lets see what he does against a weak Denver next week.

Billy Miller TE (NO) -For three weeks in a row Billy has went over the 50 yard mark (this week 7 catches for 82). Not sure whats up with Shockey but if he continues to battle injuries and be a pain in the ass, Miller looks like he could be a solid TE option going forward.

Notable performances…

Leonard Weaver RB (SEA) - 4 catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns AND HE’S THE FULLBACK. WTF? The Niners should be ashamed of themselves.

Remember the bye weeks…

This upcoming week: Panthers, Chargers, Saints, Niners

Hear it live…

If you would like to hear an audio version of this post - and offer up an opinion yourself or ask a question - check out my live internet radio show over on BlogTalkRadio.com. It is called Waiver Wire Live and it airs every Monday night at 10:30 pm EST (9:30 pm CST). I will be discussing this list, reviewing last weeks entries, giving a sneak peak at next weeks games and taking questions via live chat and an exclusive call in line. Stop by and check it out if you can.

Before you go…

If you haven’t had your fill just yet, the Fantasy Football Librarian will have her post listing waiver wire reports from all over the net. Also, The Hazean offers up his picks in his weekly “Grab Bag.” And last - and definitely not least - we have FootbalJabbers Weekly Waiver Wire Buffet.

Also, stop back because I will be updating throughout the week if and when anyone jumps out at me. Also, I know many of you see things that I don’t so feel free to throw down some of your thoughts below in the comments.

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