Dearly beloved, we’re gathered here today to discuss a problem that effects us all. That problem is Peyton Manning. Let’s imagine for a moment that all of you are as dumb as the author of this article, and you drafted Manning. I drafted him a lot, like all over. So before you look at me with judgmental stares, understand I’m not very smart, and I make it usual practice to kill as many brain cells as possible. So now that we’ve established the problem (Manning), and the reasons behind it (my lack of intellectual capacity). It’s time to discuss some solutions, and how we can triage this problem. Yes, I really wanted to use “triage” in a sentence…. Let’s begin by saying it’s the Broncos bye week, so even if for some God forsaken reason you decide to hold onto old fuss and feathers, you’re going to need a fill-in. For the rest of us rational thinking normies, we need a replacement. So begins our Wavier Wire adds for Week 7.
Quarterbacks
Landry Jones (Yahoo 1% – ESPN 0%) – Now that’s a god damn football name if I’ve ever heard one. You mix the elite football mind and strong hat game of Tom Landry with the grit and toughness of Deacon Jones and BOOM, you have a third string QB starting for the Steelers this week. He came off the bench on Sunday and looked better than Michael Vick has all season. Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant owners rejoice, for your savior has arrived until the better savior with the “force himself on stuff” side returns. If you need a one-week fill-in, Landry is your man.
Brian Hoyer (Yahoo 7% – ESPN 6.2%) – Here’s a more long-term add for all of my fellow rational Manning owners. He has the best receiver in football at the moment, and he’s going to him non-stop. Seriously, he’s targeted Hopkins 51 times in the past three games. Over that time, Hoyer is averaging 20.7 points in RCL’s. Now that he’s established himself as the starter in Houston, and with Arian Foster back in the fold, Houston is an offense on the upswing. I’m dumping Manning this week and adding Hoyer.
Running Back
James Starks (Yahoo 21% – ESPN 22.5%) – We’ve reached the point in the season where I’m talking about players I already discussed once. This isn’t a practice I like to partake in on the reg, but it’s under different circumstances now. The last time it was over a Eddie Lacy injury. This time it’s over a true time-split and one that could tip in Starks favor at a moments notice. Lacy hasn’t had anything resembling a decent week since the opening game, and Starks went off this past Sunday. McCarthy was also quick to praise Starks and his work in practice the last few weeks. Which is coach speak for “he’s better than the other dude dummy”. I’d suggest you add him this week and keep an eye out for developments over the bye.
Christine Michael (Yahoo 39% – ESPN 31.7%) – This is my obligatory Christine Michael update, and the third time he’s been featured in this space. The update over the bye week is that Michael is handling the majority of first team reps in practice. Is this a sign that he’s overtaken both Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle? I do not know. My guess is it’s another tease in a career filled with them. If fantasy blue balls were a thing, they would be called the Christine Michael’s. Somehow that was sexist and I wasn’t even talking about a woman. I’d pickup Christine, and hope you’re the one that can unlock his/her heart. I know I’m making this very confusing.
Toby Gerhart (Yahoo 6% – ESPN 7.8%) – If you hate your team, be my guest, add Gerhart. I feel obliged to mention him here since he did start. The fantasy football gods hate us so they made sure Gerhart and not 2014 waiver wire darling Denard Robinson was the one to step in during T.J. Yeldon’s absence. He got 9 carries and 4 targets in the passing game, add him if you’re desperate.
Wide Receivers
Stefon Diggs (Yahoo 8% – ESPN 3.2%) – Sometimes I sound like the Smokey cheering section. He’s my brother over on RazzSoccer and all, but he’s been killing the game for real with his Smokey Says series. He featured Diggs last week and Stefon with an “F” returned the favor by going 7/129. Add him up, he looks to be cementing a starting role.
Danny Amendola (Yahoo 7% – ESPN 10.5%) – You see Julian Edelman’s pinkie? Thing was gnarly looking brah. It also limited him the rest of the game. Leading to a couple of drops and a pick six that was 100% his fault. If Edelman misses anytime (he won’t) or is limited against the J-E-T-S next week, expect Amendola to see an uptick in action.
Tight End
Ben Watson (Yahoo 11% – ESPN 4.2%) – It was F. Scott Fitzgerald who said there are no second acts in American lives. This line doesn’t really apply to Ben Watson, because I’m not sure he ever had a first act. Did he? I have a hunch he could be worthwhile flier to take over the next couple of weeks. The upcoming schedule of Indy, the Giants, Titans, and Washington is pretty inviting. Plus you know, Drew Bree’s. The later tips the scales in the favor of add him.
Defense & Special Teams
Pittsburgh (Yahoo 19% – ESPN 12.2%) – I’m not one to spend my time discussing defenses to stream, because it’s boring, and you should know who has god and bad matchups. Problem is the Steelers defense is under-owned, maybe for the first time ever. They’ve posted double digit scores in three of the past four weeks, and face the Jamaal Charles-less Chiefs.
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