NFL Waiver Wire: Sleeper WR in Miami?

This column is geared toward "standard" 12-team leagues and based upon a $100 free-agent budget. Please, please adjust for your league based upon both the number of teams (I'm in a 24-team league, for example) and budget. During the season, this column will run every Tuesday to, hopefully, accommodate the various waiver schedules. I'll update it in the comments section during the week; please keep in mind a lot can change from Tuesday to Sunday.

QUARTERBACK

Secondary Targets

Tyrod Taylor, BUF - Taylor was named the starter Monday and is an interesting add as a backup quarterback. He has plenty of experience in the league as a backup and apparently impressed the Bills' coaching staff since camp opened. He's shown the ability in the preseason to make plays with both his arm and his legs and can be counted on for those precious extra fantasy points from rushing yards. The Bills have four legit playmakers on offense for Taylor to target in Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Charles Clay and Percy Harvin. If he has any success Week 1 against the Colts, the price for his services will skyrocket. FAAB: $2-4

RUNNING BACK

Primary Targets

Denard Robinson, JAC - There has been a ton of hype over rookie running backs this season, and rightly so considering their talent and upside. A lot of teams, though, are finding out though their rookies are still adjusting to the professional game. There's a huge adjustment for a running back understanding the playbook, blocking schemes and hitting the hole without hesitation. In Jacksonville, Alabama product T.J. Yeldon is still making the adjustment to the pro game while Robinson has had the benefit of being familiar with Blaine GabbertBlake Bortles and the offense. The team's leading rusher a season ago, Robinson is the likely Week 1 starter according to some reports. Eventually the team would like to see Yeldon take over, but Robinson could get a bigger workload to start the year. He's a viable option to consider if one of your starters (i.e. Le'Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount) is going to miss the start of the season. FAAB: $3-6

Hail Mary

Karlos Williams, BUF - The release of Fred Jackson surprised many Bills fans, but the reality was he was the fifth running back on the team. LeSean McCoy, provided he's healthy, will be the workhorse while the others jostle for position to be his backup. Williams might be the most interesting of the group given his upside and performance so far in camp. Bryce Brown has had fumbling issues and Anthony Dixon is a big contributor on special teams. Williams is returning from an undisclosed injury and may not be ready for Week 1 or to contribute initially, which should be taken into account. However, in deeper leagues he's a great stash as he should claim the backup job to McCoy. As a side note, keep an eye on where Fred Jackson lands. A roster spot in Houston or Dallas could put him back on the fantasy radar. FAAB: FCFS

Benny Cunningham, STL - Looking at the Rams' backfield, it's likely Todd Gurley doesn't get a full workload to start the season and could still end up on the PUP list. Tre Mason looked like a nice fill-in with that in mind, but now he's dealing with a hamstring injury. Enter Cunningham, who by default, could have a large role to start the season. A Week 1 matchup against the Seahawks isn't ideal, but the matchup is in St. Louis and the Seattle defense has played much better at home than on the road. Cunningham can be a three-down back if necessary and is a capable receiver. He recorded 45 catches last season in a change-of-pace role and, for leagues that count them, had 963 return yards, as well. FAAB: FCFS or $1

WIDE RECEIVER

Primary Targets

Markus Wheaton, PIT - The four-game suspension to Martavis Bryant was upheld rather quickly, and the Steeler's No. 2 wide receiver will miss the first four games of the season. That should thrust Wheaton into a more prominent role in the passing attack over the first month, and at a minimum be worth consideration for your flex spot. Truth be told he's owned in approximately half of fantasy leagues, meaning there's a coin flip of a chance he's actually available. He's a good option if you lost Jordy Nelson, Kelvin Benjamin or even if your Bryant's owner. Darrius Heyward-Bey is also expected to pick up the slack while Bryant is out. FAAB: $3-6

Rishard Matthews, MIA - Matthews had an interesting offseason and has gone from asking for a trade or release to possibly opening the season as the team's No. 2 wideout. DeVante Parker is working his way back from a foot injury and Kenny Stills has been hampered by injuries during camp. Matthews will be in for a bigger role this season, and it's telling that with the overhaul of receivers during the offseason the Dolphins chose to keep him around. Watch the battle for the starting spot opposite of Jarvis Landry over the next week; that very well may be Matthews' role Week 1. FAAB: $2-5

Secondary Targets

Philly Brown, CAR - Rookie Devin Funchess gained even more preseason buzz once Kelvin Benjamin went down but it may be Brown who benefits the most. Brown has more experience in the offense than Funchess with a year under his belt and is one of the few receivers for Cam Newton who is healthy. Brown's performance in the preseason has not been stellar, but someone outside of Greg Olsen is going to be targeted in the passing game. Brown looks to be that receiver now. FAAB: $2-4

TIGHT END

Hail Mary

Marcedes Lewis, JAC - A few things are looking up in Jacksonville. Blaine Gabbert looks like he's improved a lot from last season and the offensive line should be much better than it's been in past seasons. Julius Thomas was brought in to give Gabbert another weapon in the passing game, but a finger injury will sideline him for the next month. Enter the veteran Lewis, who will now have a bigger role in the passing game and less as a blocker. Temper your expectations here as he should only be considered in two-tight end leagues. FAAB: FCFS