Fantasy Football Waiver Worthy: Week 9 Fallout of Josh Freeman and More

Let’s take a look at some players who are potentially on your waiver wire after Week Eight and determine if they are worth owning or not:

Josh Freeman - Quarterback - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 2009 first round pick was thought to need a year on the sidelines studying, but he made a splash in his first start by throwing three touchdowns.  He did, however, complete less than 50% of his passes and is lacking a great supporting cast.  He’s certainly not a fantasy starter to cement into your line-up on a weekly basis.
Verdict: A good backup for two quarterback formats, so stash him if you’re in need

Ladell Betts - Running Back - Washington Redskins
The early word is that Clinton Portis is going to be out for Week 10, though that really should not be a big surprise.  The Broncos are the third best rushing defense in the league and the offensive line is hurting, with Mike Williams injured.  It’s tough to imagine him having a big day, though he is coming off a 70-yard, one touchdown game against the Falcons.  He was ranked 26th on our early running back rankings (click here  to view), making him more of a FLEX option.
Verdict: He is not a long-term solution, so leave him for just FLEX formats

Chris Chambers - Wide Receiver - Kansas City Chiefs
He was a liability on the Chargers, but in a much weaker offense he steps in to catch three passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns.  Does anyone really expect him to be able to repeat it once, yet alone maintain this type of production for the long-term?  The Chiefs are one of the six lowest scoring offenses in the league, so it’s a real long shot.
Verdict: Ignore him in all formats

Jason Hill - Wide Receiver - San Francisco 49ers
He hadn’t caught a pass since Week 17 of the 2008 season, even when the team was without Michael Crabtree.  That really should tell us all we need to know, despite his two touchdown performance this past week.
Verdict: Ignore him in all formats

James Jones - Wide Receiver - Green Bay Packers
He had a 74-yard reception, which certainly helps to skew his four reception, 103 yard, one touchdown line.  With Donald Driver & Greg Jennings ahead of him on the depth chart, it is tough to imagine him continually putting up these types of numbers.  However, he has three touchdowns over the last four weeks, as well as three 40+ yard catches.  This week was the first game he’s had more than two catches, which tells me that I’d like to see a little bit more before I fully buy into him.
Verdict: Keep an eye on him, but it’s not quite time to act

Robert Meachem - Wide Receiver - New Orleans Saints
His strong performance came with Lance Moore out due to an ankle injury.  At this point, his return date is unknown, so there is a chance Meachem could continue to produce.  The Saints are by far the highest scoring offense in the league and get the Rams and Buccaneers the next two weeks.  If you are in need of a WR3, there certainly are worse options available.
Verdict: Worth grabbing in deep formats, though he’s nothing more than a WR3

Brandon Pettigrew - Tight End - Detroit Lions
His emergence has been a long time coming, hasn’t it?  Many thought he would immediately offer a safety valve for fellow rookie Matthew Stafford, but he managed just 14 catches in his first seven games, going for a total of 169 yards.  He exploded this past week for seven catches, 70 yards and a touchdown, which hopefully is a sign of things to come.  It is tough to predict which tight end is going to emerge in any given week, but he’s a pretty good risk over the next few weeks (Vikings & Browns) if you are in need.
Verdict: Worth gambling on if you are going week-to-week in your tight end spot

Justin Gage - Wide Receiver - Tennessee Titans
I feel like a broken record when discussing the Titans receivers.  Do you ever really know which one is going to be the main target?  While the four catches for 97 yards is nice, in any given week they could instead be looking at Nate Washington or Kenny Britt.  If he’s among the top targeted receivers for the team again next week I may change my tune, but for now I’m laying off him.
Verdict: Watch him, but from a distance

What are your thoughts on these players?  Which would you grab?  Which would you avoid?

Need help in trying to decide who to start this week, check out our weekly rankings by clicking here .

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