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Erin Skelley, aka "Erin the Fantasy Girl" on Texans Radio/Sports Radio 610 in Houston, dishes out waiver wire magic for Week 6.*
With little fanfare and zero public interest, I took Jamaal Charles in the first round of my fantasy draft this year. Of course, I wavered on my decision… Jamaal, Adrian or LeSean. I worried about Jamaal. Injuries are a natural concern for any running back. Plus, he had lost three offensive linemen to free agency in the offseason. And of course, I worried about the Todd Haley curse resurrecting somehow.
After his limited usage week 1, and his injury week 2, I thought I had chosen the wrong back. Of course, since his return week 4, I feel validated. But that's also because of all the other first-round problems. First-rounders across the board have been labeled as busts: Adrian Peterson, LeSean McCoy, Eddie Lacy, Montee Ball, Demaryius Thomas, Doug Martin, and even Aaron Rodgers until week 4. He seems to have rebounded. Seven touchdowns in two weeks will quiet the noise.
Nailing the first round isn't as easy as it sounds, even when you prepare. This is why shopping the waiver wire regularly is important. You're better off with a bad draft and active waiver wire participation than the other way around. Of course, you didn't have a bad draft. It's not your fault. Just unlucky, right? Whatever the reason, check out these waiver wire wonders, and I'll see you again next week.
Branden Oliver, RB, San Diego Chargers – Donald Brown's early exit (concussion) on Sunday led to extended time for fourth-stringer Oliver, who delivered with 182 yards and two touchdowns. The 5'8 back takes over as the starter this week, and appears to be a perfect solution for fantasy teams – except that we're not sure how long he'll remain the starter. Ryan Mathews is likely to return in 1-2 weeks. No word when Brown is expected. But even if he returns this week, Oliver is far more productive and deserves at least half the carries.
Andre Williams, RB, New York Giants – Bummer for Rashad Jennings, who went down on Sunday with an MCL sprain. Williams stepped in and rushed for 65 yards on 20 carries, and a touchdown. Jennings is expected to miss two games, so consider Williams a short-term starter at the RB1-2.
Brian Quick, WR, St. Louis Rams – I know he's a Ram, but come on. With 87 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday, he won't be around much longer.
Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York Giants – What a nice debut. Beckham, who was a first-round selection this year, had yet to play this season due to hamstring issues. On Sunday, Eli Manning and Beckham connected on four passes for 44 yards and a touchdown. And this was on a limited snap count. Consider Beckham a WR3 for now.
Ronnie Hillman, RB, Denver Broncos – Ok, this one is complicated. Yes, Hillman is the reasonable claim with Montee Ball's injury, as Hillman did rush for 64 yards on 15 carries on Sunday. But what about Juwan Thompson and C.J. Anderson? Not sure how this will shake out. Consider Hillman an RB 2-3.
Benny Cunningham Jr., RB, St. Louis Rams – This one is um, complicated also. While Cunningham filled in nicely for an injured Zac Stacy with seven carries for 47 yards and a touchdown, Stacy is expected back week 6. Of all the RBs listed, consider Cunningham last on the list unless anything changes for Stacy.
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Miami Dolphins – Remember him? He boasted 134 yards and a touchdown week 1, but went down week 2. With all the waiver wire quandaries, Moreno is now available in about 40 percent of fantasy leagues. He has a bye this week, but get ahead and get him now if your bench can afford it.
San Diego DEF – San Diego blanked the Jets with a 33-0 route. And here's the bonus – they play Oakland this week.
Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She'll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.
