Andy’s Week Seven Waiver Wire

By  Staff Writer Andrew 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.

WR Jamison Crowder, Washington

The 5’ 8” 185 lbs rookie wide out has seen an increase in playing time with the injury to DeSean Jackson.  He got targeted at least six times each week from Week Three thru Week Six.  I originally thought he was more of a third receiver/punt returner than a starter.  Crowder spends the majority of his time in the slot, but can play the outside receiver role while getting sent in motion most of the time.  This creates better matchups with clearer routes for him to run. The receiver uses his foot frequency to get off the line under tight coverage.   Usually within five yards from the line of scrimmage, Crowder creates separation by using double moves to get free in the open field.  The rookie tracks the ball well in the air, runs underneath passes, and but had some difficulty adjusting to poorly thrown passes from Kirk Cousins.  His routes are generally crisp and fluid. He does have some concentration issues that came up near the goal line and the wide out is also not a very physical player. This makes it difficult to use Crowder across the middle where his toughness comes into question.  I like his short-term value, but am not sure if he will excel once D-Jax gets back to health or Washington moves onto another quarterback as Cousins is not the answer.  If Crowder is available on your waivers, I would spend the minimum on him and cut some dead weight off your roster.

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WR Willie Snead, Saints

This second year undrafted rookie originally from Ball State signed with the Browns last season, but did not get a chance to shine until he came to New Orleans in 2015.  Snead leads the Saints in receiving yards (436) and yards per reception (16.77).  He gets off the line quickly while using his low center of gravity and catches the ball in stride out in front.  The wide out is difficult to bring down as was demonstrated when he got gang tackled at the two yard line.  Snead gets sent in motion a lot, not only to give him a free release, but also to get him good angles to block in the running game.  The receiver has good sideline awareness, shields defenders from the pigskin, and has good concentration in tight quarters.  Snead has quick feet and seems to find a way to make the first man miss every time.  Considering the Saints are continuing to throw the ball, getting their best receiver off the wire would be a good idea.  I would spend almost half of my waiver budget to secure Snead or try to buy him cheap with his little name recognition.  Cooks has the big name and price tag while Snead might be considered someone filling in for Colston for now.

TE Ben Watson, Saints

A ten catches for 127 yards and a touchdown on a nationally televised Thursday game certainly gets fantasy owners attentions.  The former 2004 New England first round pick has bounced around the league a bit, but can be a good outlet tight end.  I see Watson as more of the Colston fill-in than Snead, because the tight end is big and slow like Colston with the same like catcher’s mitt hands.  Plus he can run all the wide out routes: corner, go, post, and hitches.  The end lines up a lot in the slot, but is also a decent run blocker which keeps him on the field regardless of situation.

Watson can sell a pass block for a second or two while sneaking out to the flat to make a blitzing defense pay.  He fully extends to make the catch at its highest point and can make difficult grabs sandwiched between linebackers and safeties.  The tight end did a great job sneaking out the backside for an easy red zone touchdown when the defense was expecting a run.  This might have been Watson’s best night ever, so don’t get carried away at the waiver wire.  The tight end is worth about 15% of your budget, but might only be good for 40- 50 yards a game with a one in four chance of scoring a touchdown.  If you are weak at tight end, Watson could help you with bye week issues.