Finding good help on the waiver wire is approaching impossible after Week 9.
While a few players might emerge as teams that are eliminated from the playoffs open up their bench, most of these guys will be young and seldom make significant impact.
There is always injury, which means having a low number for the waiver wire can be crucial. Consider the injury to Clinton Portis (Redskins), which suddenly got Ladell Betts 15 carries, when he had just 11 carries combined in the previous seven games.
In Houston, the fallout from Owen Daniels’ injury might have given new life to receiver Kevin Walter, whose five catches against the Colts were his most since he caught seven passes on Sept. 27.
The window for buying low on Kurt Warner (Cardinals) might have shut after he bounced back from a five-interception day last week to a five-touchdown performance against the Bears. Selling high might be doable if you need something and have a consistent backup.
Packers receiver James Jones (four catches, 103 yards and a touchdown) just gave Greg Jennings owners another reason to be concerned. With bye weeks near an end, Jones could be a stash if you didn’t see the Jennings slide coming and failed to grab Donald Driver.
Speaking of available receivers, did Matt Cassel (Chiefs) just find a favorite clutch target in veteran Chris Chambers (three catches, 70 yards, two touchdowns), or was that just prevent defense padding some stats?
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Donald Driver, Packers, WR Four catches, 71 yards, TD
Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, WR Nine catches, 123 yards, 2 TDs
Josh Freeman, Buccaneers, QB 14 completions, 205 yards, 3 TD, INT
Michael Turner, Falcons, RB 18 carries, 166 yards, 2 TDs
DeAngelo Williams, Panthers, RB 21 carries, 149 yards, 2 TDs
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Joe Flacco, Ravens, QB 18 completions, 195 yards, 2 INTs
Todd Heap, Ravens, TE Three catches, 28 yards
Calvin Johnson, Lions, WR Two catches, 27 yards
Darren Sproles, Chargers, RB Five catches, 22 yards, 1 yard rushing
Carnell Williams, Buccaneers, RB 16 carries, 56 yards
