Week 8 Waiver Wire: Why Fantasy Football Owners Must Add Jake Ballard

For anyone in the need of a backup TE, look no further than Jake Ballard of the New York Giants.

Although his numbers were not impressive by any means through the first three weeks of the 2011 NFL season, Ballard has gradually become one of QB Eli Manning's favorite targets.

In the Giants' last three games Ballard has compiled 11 receptions for 186 yards and scored twice.

Obviously these numbers are not indicative of a Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Kellen Winslow or Jason Witten, however, as the season progresses the TE position becomes more and more valuable.

For one, take weather conditions into account.

There are not nearly as many deep balls tossed in November and December (unless it's a dome), so when a QB drops back he's likely looking for the trusty TE for a possession completion to move the chains and nothing more.

As for the Giants, that is vital as they do play outdoors and have a very tough schedule remaining.

Additionally, WR Domenik Hixon was lost a few weeks ago, thus giving more responsibility to the rest of the WRs, as well as the rushing attack.

And New York has been able to have some solid success on the ground with RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, much thanks to Ballard's ability to block, as well.

That said, with WRs Mario Manningham, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks earning more targets, you can expect defenses zoning in on them to slow the passing attack.

Enter TE Jake Ballard.

He's third on the team in receiving yards despite only having 15 total receptions, so he is very good at getting yards after the catch.

Ballard also is second on the team with 18.2 yards per catch and is also second with getting 13 first downs.

Now that New York is going to be starting a very tough stretch to make a run at the postseason, Ballard will become an extreme value to QB Eli Manning and as a blocker for the ground game.

Obviously, he's not going to be starting for you on a consistent basis, but he does make a solid backup option and should make the occasional start, especially if the matchup is there. Don't discount him by his current numbers, because he will earn more targets (especially in the red zone), so grab him for depth if anything else.

After all, no one ever won a real or fake football championship without having some key role players come off the bench and perform well.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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