Week 9 Waiver Pickups

Thank you, Tony Romo, for making my Sunday complete. I was nervous about a full day without Houston Texans football. But your sloppy play, matched with the Steelers’ silly little outfits made my Sunday a good one. Laughable too. Ahem, Mark Sanchez, you should not be laughing. Nor should you, Phillip Rivers. At least the Steelers won.

And let’s not overlook the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs; they both have their own quarterback messes. As if a QB dispute isn’t bad enough, imagine being in Philly. Now imagine you’re the starting quarterback. Sadly I can empathize as I have my own QB controversy in my head – I own Cam Newton.  

But as all good game managers, we put the last game behind us, and look ahead to Week 9. Here are this week’s waiver wire considerations. I made them extra special this week:

Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts – Brown returned to action on Sunday with 80 yards on 14 carries against Tennessee. While Vick Ballard got the start, Brown sill proved to be an effective RB2-3. This week, the Colts face a Miami defense that has been tough against running backs. Available in 41 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Nick Foles – With Vick’s future in question, Foles is up next up. He was impressive in pre-season (completing 40 of 63 passes for 553 yards and six touchdowns) and really just needs a chance. No starter has been named yet, but his chances look good following Sunday’s 30-9 pummeling. Still, that team is a mess up and down the roster, so beware. Recommended only to those with very serious QB situations and a depleted wire. Or if you own Vick! Available in 99 percent of Yahoo leagues.  

Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – He was really strong last Thursday, throwing for 262 yards and three touchdowns against the Vikings. One of his problems last year was his turnovers. Freeman has been remarkable this year with only 5 turnovers, compared to 22 last year. I really like him this week. He’s going against an Oakland defense, that gives up the ninth most fantasy points to QBs. Available in 40 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Brandon LaFell, WR, Carolina Panthers – LaFell’s strong start to the season had been forgotten by most fantasy owners (including me), because he had done nothing since. That changed Week 7 when he revealed he still had a pulse. Over the last two games, he’s boasted 141 yards and a touchdown. Not magical statistics, but certainly serviceable in the throws of the bye weeks. And he’s an even better play this week as the Panthers take on the Redskins, who yield the second most fantasy points to wide receivers. Available in 80 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Sneaky play of the week:

Titus Young, WR, Detroit Tigers – With Nate Burleson out, Young is seeing extra work. On Sunday, he was 9-for-9 with 100  yards and a touchdown and two touchdowns. He’s becoming a very reliable target and has broken the WR 2 barrier. Faces a Jacksonville defense on Sunday that’s a little soft against the pass. Available in 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.