Fantasy Football Waiver Worthy Week 8: Buy 'Em or Deny 'Em

There were some surprising performances from Week 7, but does that mean the players are worth owning?  Let’s take a look:

Chad Henne – Quarterback – Miami Dolphins

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 7 as the ninth best defense against the pass by yards (233.0 passing yards per game).  They were tied for the fewest passing touchdowns allowed, with just three.

Not that Henne’s numbers were remarkable, but he finished going 23-36, 257 yards and 1 TD.  Given the defense he faced, that’s certainly enough to open some eyes.  He has been interception prone this season (six interceptions with at least one in his last four games), but he has also shown that in the Dolphins passing game, he can flourish.  As we’ve seen from other quarterbacks, having one big receiver doesn’t necessarily guarantee that.

In his last four games, his worst performance has been 231 yards with two games of over 300 yards and seven touchdowns over that span.  Unfortunately, the schedule doesn’t get much easier with Cincinnati, Baltimore, Tennessee and Chicago the next four weeks and the New York Jets waiting in the wings.  That alone may be the determining factor between Henne and some of the other names that could be available.

In two-quarterback formats he’s certainly ownable, but outside of that I wouldn’t bother.

Verdict – Deny ‘Em

Matt Moore – Quarterback – Carolina Panthers

Restored as the starting quarterback, Moore went 28-41 for 308 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against the San Francisco 49ers.  With this type of performance, there’s little doubt that he has retaken the starting role over Jimmy Claussen.

He has a significantly better schedule upcoming, with the Rams, Saints, Buccaneers, Ravens and Browns over the next five weeks.  He clearly showed a good rapport with the young receives, as David Gettis (8 receptions, 125 yards, 2 TD) and Brandon LaFell (6 receptions, 91 yards) both excelled.  With Steve Smith back and rounding into form, they certainly have potential.

In two-quarterback formats it’s an easy call, but I could see him being usable in a desperate moment as a bye week fill-in as well, depending on the week and what else is available.

Verdict – Buy ‘Em

LaGarrette Blount – Running Back – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s been considered that he could overtake Carnell Williams as the lead back for the Buccaneers, and now he finally got his opportunity.  Against the Rams, he got 11 carries for 72 yards, getting 6.5 yards per carry.  Just consider, he had been given 10 carries prior to this.  In comparison, Williams got just four carries.

In fact, his numbers could’ve been even more impressive, had a few big runs not been called back due to penalties.  Tampa Bay is a team that is not going anywhere, so giving the kid a chance makes all the sense in the world.  They need to find out what they have, so now is as good a time as any.  After seeing what he did this week, he’s certainly worth owning in all formats.

Verdict – Buy ‘Em

Kenny Britt – Wide Receiver – Tennessee Titans

He was benched for the first quarter and a half of the game, yet absolutely exploded for seven catches, 225 yards and three touchdowns.  The unknown certainly caused many owners who had him to have him on their bench, missing his outburst.

At this point he has become a touchdown machine.  He has touchdowns in five straight games, and while the yardage may not always be impressive, he’s established himself as the top receiver on the Titans.

While there is still some uncertainty as to who the “man” is going to be from week-to-week, Britt is certainly worth owning in all formats.  With teams focusing on stopping Chris Johnson, the opportunity to produce should continue to be there.

Verdict – Buy ‘Em

Steven Johnson – Wide Receiver – Buffalo Bills

Like Britt, Johnson has suddenly discovered a nose from the end zone.  He had eight catches for 158 yards and a touchdown, giving him five touchdowns over his last four games.  This was clearly his biggest output to date (he entered with 17 catches for 214 yards).

It’s nice to see an unknown receiver emerge, but you have to wonder exactly how long he’s going to be able to produce like this.  Ryan Fitzpatrick has been impressive at the quarterback position, but can we really count on him for this type of production?  You also have to wonder if the team will try to grind it out more on the ground, especially as it gets colder and the weather in Buffalo gets worse.

Those in deeper formats can consider him and while there are reasons to be skeptical, he may be in the best situation among the receivers on the waiver wire.

Verdict – Buy ‘Em

Jordan Shipley – Wide Receiver – Cincinnati Bengals

He had six catches for 131 yards and a touchdown on a day where Carson Palmer threw the ball 50 times for 412 yards.  How often is that really going to happen?  Also, how often is Shipley going to make all six of his targets count?  This is a passing game driven by Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, and that just isn’t going to change.

Verdict – Deny ‘Em

David Gettis/Brandon LaFell – Wide Receiver – Carolina Panthers

With Matt Moore back at quarterback, both Gettis and LaFell discovered their form.  Steve Smith will be the biggest threat, but if teams double-team him in an effort to take him out, it’s nice to see the two youngsters step up and produce.

Granted, this is primarily going to be a running team (at least you would think, though their production this season certainly doesn’t say so).  That makes you wonder how dependable these two receivers could be moving forward.  As it is, can you tell which of the two would be the better option moving forward?

I’d pick Gettis, making him the one worth buying.  I’d definitely pass on LaFell.

Verdict – Buy’Em for Gettis, Deny ‘Em for LaFell

What are your thoughts on these players?  Who would you pick up?  Who would you avoid?

Make sure to check out the rest of our Week 8 Rankings:

Top 25 Quarterbacks
Top 40 Running Backs (coming soon)
Top 60 Wide Receivers (coming soon)
Top 15 Tight Ends (coming soon)
Top 15 Kickers (coming soon)
Top 15 Defenses (coming soon)
Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em (coming soon)
Sunday Sleepers (coming soon)

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