Fifteen Week Two Waiver Pickups

Ken Kelly

clausen

Don’t panic.

That seems to be the theme around fantasy football circles right now as novice owners across the country are looking at the player rankings for 2010 and thinking they’ve made horrific mistakes by drafting players like Andre Johnson, CJ Spiller, and Mike Sims-Walker.

Stay calm.

One week does not make a season, that’s for sure. If it did, the best receiver in fantasy football would still be Frisman Jackson. If you don’t know that name, you’ve really missed out on some fun over the years.

Going into week two, it’s important to look at the wire to locate some players who could help your team. Just don’t overreact and get too aggressive with the players you cut – they could burn you later.

Keep in mind these weekly pickups will include players owned in less than 10% of leagues and are always going to be added to the ones we suggested from previous weeks. Names won’t be repeated, so that’s why you don’t see Brandon Jackson on the list this week. We suggested you pick him up LAST week and owners who followed that advice are pretty happy they did since we seemingly cursed Ryan Grant.

You’ll find last week’s pickups here.

Keep in mind you’ll also be able to get a sneak preview of some names each week on our Monday Morning Aftermath column.

1. Michael Vick, QB, PHI (owned in 3.6% of leagues)

After Kevin Kolb was knocked out of the game, Vick led the Eagles back with 175 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and 103 rushing yards. He’ll be a hot pickup with uncertainty surrounding Kolb’s status.

The rumors of a quarterback controversy are already swirling in Philadelphia. I don’t buy it yet since the Eagles and Andy Reid have so much riding on Kolb. I do think Vick could make things interesting, though.

2. Shaun Hill, QB, DET (owned in 0.1% of leagues)

Hill’s numbers weren’t impressive in relief of Matt Stafford, but he’s shown the ability to play in this league. Stafford is going to get a second opinion on his shoulder, but the results likely won’t be known before claims are processed. If you’re a Stafford owner, Hill could be a worthy pickup for the next month or so.

3. Greg Camarillo, WR, MIN (owned in 3.9% of leagues)

While his one catch for 29 yards doesn’t excite you, neither does the lethargic play of Bernard Berrian. I’ve gone on record before saying Camarillo will eventually replace him. I’ve seen nothing from Berrian over the last few seasons to make me a believer.

4. Mark Clayton, WR, STL (owned in 2.3% of leagues)

We suggested picking him up last week when he was traded, so you may be a week late. The cat’s out of the bag after his 10 catch, 119 yard performance.

Don’t go overboard since Clayton is typically a feast or famine type of player, but he and Sam Bradford have some Oklahoma ties that seemingly run deep.

5. Evan Moore, TE, CLE (owned in 0.1% of leagues)

Most thought Ben Watson would make Moore an afterthought, but his three catches and 87 yards make him a worthy flyer.

6. Jimmy Clausen, QB, CAR (owned in 0.8% of leagues)

Matt Moore was simply awful before he got hurt, so Clausen may get his opportunity sooner rather than later. Moore is supposedly feeling better, but the leash on him won’t be long with Coach Fox on the hot seat.

7. Anthony Armstrong, WR, WAS (owned in 0.1% of leagues)

Armstrong’s one catch, 11 yard performance doesn’t excite you much. I think we’ll see a breakout performance here at some point, though. He’s worth a flyer as McNabb grows in the offense.

8. Deon Butler, WR, SEA (owned in 0.7% of leagues)

He had just one catch, but it was good for a 13-yard touchdown. It seems he makes plays whenever he’s on the field..

9.  Brandon Lloyd, WR, DEN (owned in 0.2% of leagues)

Lloyd is almost legendary for making this list, then disappearing shortly after. We’ll see what happens this time, but he’s making the most of his opportunity in Denver. At this point, it looks like Demaryius Thomas has quite a ways to go before getting into the lineup.

10. Davone Bess, WR, MIA (owned in 2.2% of leagues)

Most thought the addition of Brandon Marshall was going to kill his value. His six catches and 51 yards say that’s a bad assumption to make.

11. Derrick Johnson, LB, KC (owned in 5.3% of leagues)

Owners in IDP leagues need to take notice of Johnson again. The former Texas Longhorn has long been a disappointment in Kansas City, but re-emerged with a huge game last night. His twelve tackles and one forced fumble cement his spot back in the starting lineup and back on fantasy radars.

He has the talent to be an IDP standout and may have finally turned the light on.

12. Dan Connor, LB, CAR (owned in 8% of leagues)

He moved into the middle linebacker spot in Carolina and produced 13 tackles and a sack this week. I’d take half that every week.

13. Tony Moeaki, TE, KC (owned in 0.2% of leagues)

Moeaki isn’t going to make people in Kansas City forget about Tony Gonzalez, but he has talent. He’s been impressive since training camp and could be a serviceable No. 2 tight end this year. He should absolutely be owned in a dynasty league.

14. Marcedes Lewis, TE, JAX (owned in 5.8% of leagues)

Lewis reminds me a lot of Brandon Lloyd as a player who gets added then dropped a few weeks later every year. It’s tough to look past a couple of scores, though. Perhaps he’s turned the corner.

15. Derrick Ward, RB, HOU (owned in 2.3% of leagues)

Arian Foster was incredible on Sunday. That can be attributed to a number of factors including the Houston offensive line, the Colts defense, and the talent of Foster.

So, what happens if he gets hurt?

I don’t want to put the curse of Ryan Grant on him, but does anyone really think Steve Slaton is going to carry the ball twenty times if Foster misses a game or two? Ward is a must have handcuff if I’m a Foster owner.

Good luck this week!

ken kelly