Fanspeak Fantasy Football: Waiver Wire Pick Ups Week 8

By Staff Writer Ryan Gerrity – @RyanGerrity:

This week the NFL was hit hard by the injury bug, it seems like there are a lot of back-up, and even third string quarterbacks starting for NFL teams.  Jay Cutler, Doug Martin, Reggie Wayne all need to be replaced and this week I have 7 players you should consider picking up on the waiver wire.  Some are based off of injury, but others are more strategic because of matchups that are coming in the future.

     
1.      Jarrett Boykin, WR, Green Bay Packers
Boykin was number 1 on my waiver wire list last week as well, but this week he proved why he was number 1.  He also played his way into more of a role into the offense for the Packers.  James Jones could return from his injury this week, but if he does or not I think Boykin is going to continue to build a relationship with Aaron Rodgers.

2.      Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans
Jake Locker had a huge fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers, yes it was in garbage time when they were really behind but he still put up 21 points in standard scoring leagues.  You also might be thinking why would I pick him up when he has a bye next week? Well this is a strategic waiver pick up because of the match ups in weeks 9 and 10.  The Titans are going to face a weak Rams and Jaguars defense so expect some fantasy productivity from Locker.

3.      Zac Stacy, RB, St. Louis Rams
On October 8^th my waiver wire pick up article I had Zac Stacy, and since than he has had 2 consecutive games of 8 points and this past week 14 points.  On 17 carries he rushed for 53 yards, but also had 4 receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown.  His PPR value has definitely risen, but as a standard running back his value in the Rams offense will continue to rise.

4.      Jeremy Kerley, WR, New York Jets
Against the Patriots in week 7 Kerley caught 8 passes for 97 yards including a touchdown reception.  Kerley is the type of receiver that is going to match up against the outside linebackers, or the nickel corner and he is favored in most of those match ups.  Kerley gets targeted a lot by Geno Smith and their relationship will only continue to grow.

5.      Mike James, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This waiver wire pick up is definitely more of an injury move because the Buccaneers lost Doug Martin for the rest of the year due to a shoulder injury.  James was the 6^th round draft pick for the Buccaneers from the University of Miami.  He did show signs of being able to catch the ball and had good vision out of the backfield.

6.      Roy Helu, RB, Washington Redskins     
Helu finished last week against the Bears with 22 fantasy points in standard scoring leagues.  He is currently only owned by about 38% of fantasy leagues, but that number is going to rise.  In the redzone and out of the backfield is where Helu thrives and he is continuing to show that he has a nose for touchdowns with 3 last week.

7.      Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins
Another Redskins player makes this list because Reed had his coming out party with 9 receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown against the Bears.  Reed was very effective splitting out against linebackers, and smaller corners and safeties.  RGIII is going to find ways to keep Reed involved in the passing game because he is using his size and athleticism to his advantage.