Dynasty Waiver Wire: Week 11
Welcome to our in-season coverage of waiver wire considerations for this week.
We won’t be forcing waiver wire advice or suggestions. Instead, expect to see a wide-ranging number of players each week, based solely on increasing snaps, injury or any combination of events that suggest a player’s status could change in the future. You can expect we will be providing a bit of justification for the addition as well as just how deep the particular player is. We are only highlighting those players that we believe deserve some level of attention, not merely players who happen to see targets or log a carry. As is always the case in fantasy, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Whether you are a multiple-year winner or in a constant state of rebuilding, the waiver wire is, arguably, your largest source of talent from which you will build your future dynasty. Being first to act and last to react, year over year, will play a huge role in the building and shaping of your team(s). It takes a lot of commitment to stay that engaged, but it’s an activity that will pay dividends every year.
Don’t forget to check Ken Kelly’s “Dynasty Aftermath” weekly for more notes on players who should be on your radar.
Here are your players for this week:
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Gus Edwards, RB BAL
Gus who? Owned in 0% of leagues, week 11 served as the coming out party for the undrafted rookie runner from Rutgers (say that five times fast). It’s not often a player eludes DLF’s prying and investigative eyes but Edwards did just that though he did ‘blip’ in mid-October when he saw 10 rushes for 42 yards. But if that was a blip, week 11 saw Edwards land on the radar tower itself as he erupted for 115 yards and a touchdown on 17 totes. He doesn’t offer much in the way of receiving ability, but he does have a single reception on the year.
So what is there to know about Edwards? He played most of his collegiate games for Miami (FL) before transferring to Rutgers for his senior year. There he amassed 713 rushing yards on 164 rushes (4.3 ypc. average) and six touchdowns. He also chipped in with 13 receptions for 103 yards and another score.  Upon completion of the year, Edwards was named most valuable offensive player on the team before heading back to Florida to prepare for Rutgers’ pro-day. And it paid off.
At his Pro Day, Edwards measured in at 6’1/229 lbs., clocked a 4.52 40 and jumped a respectable 34.5″ vertical to go with a 4.24 30-yard shuttle. All numbers very good for a back of his size. It’s clear Edwards did fly below the radar due to pedestrian collegiate statistics, but none of that matters once a player hits the NFL.
Most noteworthy about Edwards’ performance vs. the Bengals during week 11 was his usage following Alex Collins scoring his seventh touchdown on the year. Collins was used sparsely during the remainder of the game while Edwards received carry-after-carry. Coach John Harbaugh lauded Edwards’ performance and made it obvious he’ll be in for more work, and why wouldn’t he. The 5-5 Ravens employ a running back by committee but Edwards may change that construct with another strong performance, giving them a true downhill, pile-moving, option. Again, he doesn’t offer much three-down ability but nor has he been thoroughly tested in that regard. A youthful back of his size with adequate speed and power coming off a big game makes for an immediate add in all formats.
Any further production from Gus Edwards will come at the expense of Alex Collins.
Auden Tate, WR CIN
Nothing requiring immediate action here but Tate did catch his first career pass in what was his second game as a pro. The 6’5/228 lbs. rookie may get more play here though A.J. Green is nearing his return. The seventh round rookie has some upside and needs snaps to develop. He’s no better than fourth or fifth on depth chart but should be on your radar, especially should a greater injury occur above him in the rotation.
Bruce Ellington, WR DET
Ellington produced six receptions for 52 yards in replacement of injured Marvin Jones. Very little appeal here but week 12 is a brutal bye week for many and should Marvin Jones miss one more game, Ellington can be used as an emergency fill in. We’d suggest looking elsewhere before coming back to Ellington.
Jordan Akins, TE HOU
The Texans have been snake-bit at tight end all year and badly need production and consistency from the position. Akins, a 2018 third-round rookie, hauled in both of his targets for 42 yards. Hardly a break-out performance but a rookie getting his first production at a position of need for his team is noteworthy-enough to provide stash potential. Add him in deeper leagues if you have the space.
Colt McCoy, QB WAS
Alex Smith suffered an ugly lower-leg break and Colt McCoy, who has seen material time as a back-up, was once again under-center on Sunday and should remain there for the remainder of the season. It’s hard to get excited about McCoy’s upside but 2QB leaguers should take note and add him to provide an option down the stretch. McCoy hasn’t thrown for more than four touchdowns since 2011 while in Cleveland and threw his first during week 11. Add him only if you are in dire need for a second starter.
See you next week!
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You can find Jeff on Twitter at @dlf_jeff
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