Finally, football is back. That awful taste that was the World Cup is now completely out of your mouth, baseball is mildly entertaining as they’re getting close to almost playing games that count. But now you’re back in the driver’s seat, and can focus 100% attention on what really matters: family fantasy football. And who better to help you win than the Big Red Sports Machine.
You know the drill. Come here each week to find our waiver wire pickups. Whether you won last week or lost and are freaking out over your lineup, we got your back
Matt Asiata, RB Minnesota (% owned in Yahoo! leagues, 21%)
Please save my season.
If AP is on your team, stop reading this right now and pick up Matt Asiata. Seriously, DO IT NOW. Who is Matt Asiata? Up until around Friday at 6:00 pm, he was an NFL nobody…a third year back out of Utah with 3 career touchdowns. That is all about to change.
Apparently the last book AP read was “How to raise your child in the 1950’s.” He picked the wrong week to have this story burst, as the NFL is a tad sensitive to off-the-field violence related issues.
Anyway, AP’s pain is Asiata’s gain, who now becomes the #1 running option for a team that is very run dependent. The Vikings also face New England this week, and the Patriots have (putting it nicely) a run friendly defense, giving up 134 yards to Knowshon Moreno last week.
He’s available in 79% of Yahoo leagues right now. That’s going to change by the minute, and come Sunday, he’ll be owned in 79% of leagues. With AP being out for an indeterminate amount of time, this could be a season-saving move, especially for AP owners.
How serious of a must is this? Well, The Machine was at a kids’ b-day party when this story broke, and instantly snapped up Asiata in all three of our leagues. He instantly becomes a low-end RB2, and would start over names like CJ 750, Doug Martin, and Danny Woodhead.
Larry Donnell, TE, Giants (17%)
Your 2014 no-name Giants TE.
Yes yes, we know, the Giants, despite having a new offensive coordinator and completely revamped offense, picked up right where they left off. Eli threw 2 picks, and the offensive line still sucks. But one person stood out from the rest, and it wasn’t the JPP of Tight Ends.
No, it was Larry Donnell, the lone bright spot on the Giants offense, who ended last week with a respectable 5/56/1. Donnell also had the most targets (8) out of any Giants receiver. For now, Donnell’s a TE2, but the Giants have been known to take no name Tight Ends and turn them into solid players (see Boss, Kevin). With the O-line still in flux, Eli will be forced to check down more often. That bodes well for Larry.
Get him now while he’s still available in over 80% of leagues.
Allen Hurns, WR, Jacksonville (55%)
Henne to Hurns…just rolls off your tongue!
Allen was the star of Week 1, torching the Eagles secondary to haul in 4/110/2. For those of us that have no life pay attention to the preseason, you know that Allen is picking up where he left off. An UDFA from the U, Hurns is now starting alongside fellow rookie Marquise Lee.
With Cecil Shorts injured, Hurns has the opportunity to become the #1 WR for the Jags. Yes, that’s like the skinniest kid at Fat Camp, but it could mean some consistent production from a very unlikely source. Hurns has an attractive match-up against Washington this week, and, if you’re thin at receiver, is worth a look as a WR3/Flex.
Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee (31%)
When healthy, offers QB1 potential.
If you’re an RGIII or Tony Romo owner, or perhaps you need a solid backup because you don’t totally trust Cam Newton’s ribs, give Jake the Snake a look. Jake looked really good last week, winning on the road at Arrowhead in commanding fashion. His numbers were solid, 22/246/2 and 0 ints, and he also ran for 14 yards.
Jake plays at home this week against Dallas and their wretched defense. We like the Snake’s chances of posting similar numbers and yes, we’re going to call a rushing touchdown.
Fantasy sports are hot!