Fantasy Football 411: Injuries Unearth Potential Gems

More often than not, when that guy you've never heard of goes off, it's not a result of that guy working hard to climb the depth chart—it’s because of an injury. If you keep your ear to the street, you can sometimes catch these waiver wire wonders before they even get a chance to perform.

Through Week Three, we are already starting to see some injury patterns, but it's a matter of whether or not to buy every new name that makes SportsCenter.

Here is the 411 on the guys who have recently hit it big.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Everyone was predicting that it was only a matter of time before Brian Westbrook needed to be relieved due to injury. On a rainy Sept. 27, McCoy made his first career NFL start in replacement of Westbrook and he didn't disappoint.

As long as Westbrook is hurt, McCoy is a top 15 fantasy back—he is slippery and has the dual-threat ability that is much desired in fantasy football. Even if Westbrook is in the lineup, the Eagles will be working to preserve him, and McCoy will still be a potential start in deeper leagues. Target him with confidence.

Pierre Garcon, WR, Indianapolis Colts

If you are going to be thrust into a starting role as a second-year receiver, there is no better QB to be working with than the great Peyton Manning.

After scoring two TDs in two games, Garcon's speed is being properly utilized by the Colts and he should continue to be a scoring threat in the green zone. Don't treat Garcon as a No. 2 receiver because he is the third or fourth guy for the Colts, but that doesn't mean he's not worth a roster spot.

Glen Coffee, RB, San Francisco 49ers

For a second straight week, Frank Gore has been hampered by an ankle injury and it left him with only one carry in Week Three.

If you are in any deep leagues or if you own Gore, Coffee's name instantly becomes relevant. Coffee has been far from productive through three games, but he will be the primary backfield option for SF if Gore cannot go.

He isn't a great play, but he does have some favorable matchups through the next four weeks, so stay tuned to Gore's medical reports.

Seneca Wallace, QB, Seattle Seahawks

After 2008, I am far from sold on Wallace, but as Matt Hasselbeck's back/rib continues to haunt him, we will continue to see Wallace. The one frustrating thing about the former Heisman candidate is that he doesn't use his legs like one might think he would. I would suggest even considering Wallace if about 28 other QBs are already rostered.