Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 8: Ryan Fitzpatrick Bringing Life to Buffalo

Buffalo may still be win-less, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing with nothing to lose. With the help of Lee Evans and Steve Johnson, fantasy owners have been cashing in. Chris Sheehan throws a few other gems our way, so let's see who the hot picks are this week.

Ryan Fitzpatrick – QB, BUF (Owned in 18 percent of leagues)

Remember a few weeks back when Trent Edwards was demoted, then cut, and Fitzpatrick took over the reins in Buffalo?  

The most complimentary thing anyone could say about his promotion was, “the offense can’t get any worse.”  Now it’s looking like Fitzpatrick was the spark the Bills’ offense needed to get moving.  

In the four games since he took over, the offensive output has increased to 26 points per game (up from 8.5 over the first two games).  

Impressively, they are doing it on the strength of Fitzpatrick’s arm, as he has thrown two or more touchdowns in every game, capped off by a four touchdown performance this weekend in a near loss to Baltimore.  

Despite only having played in four games, he is currently the 14th ranked QB, ahead of widely-rostered stalwarts like Tom Brady and Jay Cutler.


LeGarrette Blount – RB, TAM (Owned in 5 percent of leagues)

I threw Blount’s name out here a few weeks ago, based on promises of more touches from coach Raheem Morris.  It took a few weeks to materialize, but it looks like Blount is finally seeing more playing time.  

While the Bucs didn’t run the ball often, instead opting for sophomore QB Josh Freeman to heave 40 passes in a relatively close game, Blount accounted for 11 of the team’s 16 carries by a RB, putting up 72 yards (6.5 yds/carry).  That should earn him more playing time for a team in desperate need of an effective RB.  

Owners looking to the playoffs should note that the Bucs have a favorable schedule Weeks 14-16 (@ Washington, vs. Detroit, vs. Seattle).


Brandon Jacobs – RB, NYG (Owned in 66 percent of leagues)

Jacobs has taken a back seat to Ahmad Bradshaw in the Giants pecking order, but he is still putting up numbers that warrant near-universal ownership.  

Despite getting only about 35 percent of the team’s carries, he has amassed almost 300 yards and scored five touchdowns, all of which have come in the past four games.  

If an owner with an itchy trigger finger dropped him in your league after his cold start, grab him as a weekly flex.


Steve Johnson – WR, BUF (Owned in 40% of leagues)

Continue Reading >>>