Andy’s Week 3 Waiver Wire Pickups

By Staff Writer Andy Miley:

There is nothing more important to keeping yourself connected to a fantasy league than by working the waiver wire every week. Inseason management is crucial to fantasy football success.  Keep those juices flowing by reading this column every week as it will provide you with a few players that might be available to improve your team.  I only play in point per reception leagues (sorry for the last five years and my mindset makes it too difficult to go back for standard scoring), so consider that when reviewing my advice.  This week I had a running back theme with a bonus runner due to injury from the starter.

RB Karlos Williams, Bills

With LeSean McCoy’s health being in a cloud of mystery most weeks, the rookie from Florida State might become more of a factor as the year rolls on.  His six carries for 55 yards and a touchdown came as a surprise to many during Week One. His impact was not as dramatic on Week Two against the Patriots due to the effectiveness of Tom Brady which forced the Bills to go to a higher pass to run ratio.  Williams finished with six carries for 21 yards and a short yardage touchdown, along with two catches for 16 yards on three targets.

The rookie runner continued to run high, not varying much from his college tape.  Keep in mind Williams is a powerful, short yardage runner (thumper) who loves to hit people.  He doesn’t create space on his own, but the back will take what his line blocks for him.  I thought he looked good catching the ball away from his body and can serve as a nice complement to McCoy.  Williams did some damage on draws, running behind his pads with 4.48 speed.  The back did a decent job on pass protection, stepping up to take on blitzers and squaring his pads. While that won’t win you any fantasy leagues, it will allow Coach Ryan to continue to sub him in during any down or distance.  If I was a McCoy owner, I would grab him as a handcuff, but I would let him be in shallow leagues.  The rookie runner is only worth 1 or 2% of your free agent money.

RB Tevin Coleman, Falcons

After missing a large chunk of the preseason, the former Indiana runner could become a significant fantasy player if he can create distance from his sophomore threat of Devonta Freeman.  Unfortunately the rookie left the game in the first half with a rib injury before he could inspire belief with  Dan Quinn and his coaching staff or in his fantasy owners eyes.  Coleman had a decent day with nine carries for 32 yards and a touchdown, but I have yet to see him block anyone in the passing or running game.  The former Hoosier still runs too high and does not have the leg drive to move a pile.  Coleman got strung out a few times when forced to run East and West.  What he does have over second year back Devonta Freeman is vision and long speed, the old Hoosier sees the gridiron better, but still rarely makes anyone miss with makes it difficult for him to use his long speed.  Also the rookie was unable to secure his only pass target which only cements my concerns about his hands.

There were a few formations where the Falcons used Coleman and Freeman on the field together.  They took turns lining up in the slot.  After Coleman went down with the rib injury, Freeman got 90% of the remaining carries.  The Atlanta front office grabbed him in the third round of this year’s draft, so if Coleman is on the wire (5% to 10% of your budget) or perhaps available in a cheap trade, make your move for him.  This injury and similar stat line to Freeman might make him easier to acquire right now.

RB Devonta Freeman, Falcons

This second year back has quick feet, good burst, spin moves, and a good center of gravity.  It’s a shame at his size, 5’ 8” 206 lbs, that the runner doesn’t have the lower leg power to move piles.  Although Freeman can change directions quickly, he can become a bit skittish after avoiding the first tackler only to get smashed by the second one in his path.  The sophomore runner is a good pass blocker and can be a solid PPR flex player in bye week emergencies.  Despite the opportunity to show a national audience and his coaching staff his talents, Freeman barely averaged over 2 yards a carry while scoring a hard-nosed touchdown and only caught half of his targets (four) for 34 yards.  If you are in a deeper PPR league, pick him up for a minimum bid, otherwise focus on Karlos Williams and Tevin Coleman.