Fantasy Football: Top Performances from the Waiver Wire

Vince Young of the Philadelphia Eagles and Rex Grossman of the Washington Redskins lead the list of waiver wire players who put up great numbers this week in fantasy football.

The list consists of players that are available in at least 50 percent of the Yahoo! fantasy football leagues.

Interestingly enough, some of the players on this list have been included in my articles about waiver wire gems over the past few weeks.

So even this late in the season, you need to pay attention to your waiver wire and to The Professor of Fantasy Sports.

Follow the Professor of Fantasy Sports on Twitter @Prof_Bush

RB Roy Helu (Available in 53 Percent of Leagues)

Roy Helu of the Washington Redskins was the top waiver wire running back this week.

He rushed for 108 yards and one touchdown. In addition, he snagged seven passes for 54 yards.

I had listed Helu as a running back that needed to be grabbed before Week 10. And a few weeks earlier, I had him on the list of top 10 pickups to consider.

RB Maurice Morris (Available in 64 Percent of Leagues)

Maurice Morris of the Detroit Lions caught nine passes for 81 yards in addition to his 30 rushing yards.

I missed calling for managers to pick up Morris. I thought Kevin Smith would take the lead in the running game. And with all the good pass receivers available to Matt Stafford, I did not foresee Morris catching so many passes.

WR Jason Avant (Available in 90 Percent of Leagues)

Jason Avant of the Philadelphia Eagles had eight receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.

I identified him as a handcuff for both Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson. Maclin has been out with multiple injuries. Jackson was benched first for missing a team meeting and then for being more interested in avoiding a hit than making a catch.

Those who heeded my advice were rewarded this week.

QB Rex Grossman (Available in 91 Percent of Leagues)

Rex Grossman of the Washington Redskins threw for 314 yards plus two touchdowns. His passes to Fred Davis and Anthony Armstrong for scores helped end the Redskins' six-game losing streak.

I have never suggested snatching him from the waiver wire, nor will I likely ever do so.

QB Vince Young (Available in 76 Percent of Leagues)

Vince Young of the Philadelphia Eagles threw for 400 yards plus one touchdown. He also ran for 40 yards.

I recently identified Young as a quarterback that would surprise his owners in Week 12. I even pointed out the New England Patriots would get out to a large lead, the Eagles would need to pass frequently and Young would rack up the passing yardage. 

If DeSean Jackson wasn't so worried about taking a hit after catching a pass, Young might have had even more fantasy points with another touchdown or two.