08 October 2009

Week Four Fantasy Football Special: Available Free Agent

Even though it’s only the fourth week in the season, you may find out that one or more of your fantasy players are either injured or not playing up to your expectations. You may be scanning the waiver wire to see who might be out there for you to pick up and use as either stop gap until your top player is back from injury or you may want to drop someone and pick up someone else. Four weeks into the new NFL season, there have been a few players who have stepped up and made a name for themselves and some of these guys may be players that you want to consider grabbing off of the waiver wire before someone else does.

Here are ten players that you might want to consider picking up if you have a player out with injury or need some extra help on your fantasy team.

1. Mario Manningham-WR-New York Giants-Manningham had a break out game against the Cowboys and looks like he could become a very reliable target for Eli Manning. He has probably been picked up in most leagues by now but if you can grab him it would be a good idea.

2. Johnny Knox-WR-Chicago Bears-The signing of Jay Cutler was to be a renaissance of sorts for the Bears passing game and although Knox is a rookie, he has come on strong and is becoming one of Cutler’s favorite receivers. He could make a good second receiver on your fantasy team.

3. Pierre Thomas-RB-New Orleans-While he may have been taken in some leagues during the preseason, Thomas may have been an afterthought to some as many figured that the Saints would spend most of their time passing the ball. Thomas has been ultra productive though so if he is there, get him while you can.

4. Devery Henderson-WR-New Orleans Saints-Henderson may have been picked up in your fantasy draft but there are several leagues out there that still have him available. Knowing how the Saints offense works, it would be wise to pick him up if he is still available.

5. LeRon McClain-FB-Baltimore Ravens-If you are looking for someone to fill in the gaps at the running back position during a bye week McClain may be your guy. While he hasn’t had any big games, he is somewhat consistent and can give you a few points each week.

6. Vernon Davis-TE-San Francisco-A lot of people may have shied away from taking Davis thanks to the 49ers issues at quarterback as well as Davis’ previous problems with head coach Mike Singletary. Davis has been proving himself however and would be a smart free agent pickup.

7. Anthony Fasano-TE-Miami-If your starting tight end is on a bye week, you might want to pick up Fasano who could end up being a good option for Dolphins quarterbacks.

8. Pierre Garcon-WR-Indianapolis-If you are lucky enough to get a chance to get Garcon, you should jump on it as quick as you can. He is on fire right now.

9. New Orleans Saints Defense-I have to admit, the thought of taking the Saints defense this summer was a bit appalling especially after what they did in 2008 but so far this year they have been one of the top defenses in the NFL.

10. Rashard Mendenhall-RB-Pittsburgh-With Willie Parker having some injury problems, the Steelers have turned to Mendenhall who has come up big for them. Look for him to get a lot more work as the season moves on.

By Bryan Dietzler

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