After a slew of injuries or ineffective performances, Week 10’s waiver wire sees a lot of familiar faces, from James Starks to Karlos Williams.
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Some breaking news out of Indianapolis: Quarterback Andrew lacerated his kidney Sunday and is expected to miss two to six weeks. Colts backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck would be the next in line. He’s not a guy I would take over, say, Ryan Fitzpatrick or Blake Bortles, but he’s worth a look because he plays in the poor AFC South division. The Colts have a bye week coming up, so he won’t have any value this week, but he may be worth a matchup-based start, depending on depth your league
Brandon Bolden, RB, New England Patriots
The New England Patriots suffered a big blow when they lost Dion Lewis for the year. Beyond LeGarrette Blount, the Patriots will look to find a new receiving back. It’s difficult to predict who will emerge — one look at the Pats’ backfield after the loss of Stevan Ridley last year will prove that — but it stands to reason that running back Brandon Bolden will be in the mix. Bolden, 25, has been with New England since 2012. Bolden will probably not be the next Lewis, but he is worth a speculative add alongside fellow running back James White.
Antonio Andrews, RB, Tennessee Titans
Running back Antonio Andrews has been crowned the team’s “workhorse” back by new head coach Mike Mularkey. With fellow back David Cobb returning overweight from injured reserve, Andrews made the most of his opportunity Sunday, rushing for 88 yards and getting 23 yards through the air.
Redux
James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers
Not only did Green Bay starting back Eddie Lacy suffer a groin injury against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, he was also outperformed at the position by Starks. Green Bay can ill afford to slowly work Lacy out of his slump at the expense of the team, which is now tied in the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings, who have won their last four games. Starks will be the in driver’s seat until Lacy improves making him a valuable pick up.
Karlos Williams, RB, Buffalo Bills
Running back LeSean McCoy has shown flashes of the ol’ “Shady” in Buffalo in recent weeks, but as good as he has been, running back Karlos Williams has been a step better all season minus the weeks he was out with a concussion. Williams has found the end zone in all five games he has played. He leads the team in rushing touchdowns (five) and in yards per carry (6.6). With McCoy nursing a shoulder injury, owners should pick Williams up immediately.
Kamar Aiken, WR, Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens were on their bye last weekend, so fantasy owners might have forgotten that wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. is done for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Wide receiver Kamar Aiken will be next in line to receive Smith’s targets.
Stevie Johnson, WR, San Diego Chargers
With receiver Keenan Allen done for the year with a lacerated kidney and receiver Malcom Floyd potentially out for the season with a torn labrum, receiver Stevie Johnson should be in for a heavy workload. I’m not thrilled about this pick. as the Chargers couldn’t generate much offense after Floyd went down. San Diego doesn’t run the ball well, so the Chargers’ offense is pass-heavy. If quarterback Philip Rivers doesn’t have anyone viable to throw to, it diminishes the value of this passing offense. Still. Johnson is worth an add. Those in deeper formats should look at fellow receiver Dontrelle Inman too.
Hugh Johnson: 303-954-1037, hjohnson@denverpost.com or @HughJohnsonDP
