Quarterbacks to Add
1. Mark Sanchez, Eagles: Mark Sanchez looks as capable as ever to lead an NFL franchise. This Chip Kelly offense is very fantasy friendly and Sanchez should be able to keep run a good majority of the same plays that Foles was able to run. Sanchez followed up his spot duty last week with a great performance under the lights of Monday Night football. The Eagles QB completed 20 of 37 passing for 332 yards and 2 TDs. Sanchez will probably have a problem with turnovers, but it should not hinder him from being a top 15 fantasy QB for the rest of the season. For all the years of misery in NY, Sanchez probably deserves a little overdue shine.
2. Michael Vick, Eagles: Vick is a long ways away from the fantasy football darling that he used to be in his Atlanta Falcons days or even his first year as a starter in Philadelphia, but this older and hopefully wiser Michael Vick still has fantasy relevance. Vick followed up an up and down performance against the Buffalo Bills with a vintage Michael Vick showing on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Vick only threw for 132 yards, but added 2 TDs, and 38 rushing yards on 8 carries. The more that Vick is able to practice with the first team and get reps with the receivers, he should be able to translate that rhythm to the games on Sundays.
3. Ryan Mallet, Texans: Last week I wrote about Ryan Mallet as a speculative add, assuming that the Texans would be forced to make a switch at QB, and that’s exactly what they did. Last week Mallet was announced as the starter for the Texans and will get his opportunity to finally lead an NFL franchise. Mallet is familiar with the offense run by Bill O’Brien who was on the coaching staff in New England when Mallet was drafted. Mallet is a big strong kid, with an even stronger arm, and will not have any problems getting the ball to his stud WRs Andre Johnson and Deandre Hopkins. As long as Mallet can cut down on the turnovers and not hold on to the ball in the pocket too long, he should be able to carve out some success for the Texans, and your fantasy team.
Running Backs to Add
1. Montee Ball, Broncos: With the news of Ronnie Hillman’s sprained foot, it opens the door to a complete mess in the Broncos backfield. Ball was the starter out of training camp, but had a few disappointing games before hurting his groin and missing the last 5 weeks due to the injury. Now Ball is finally back healthy and the reports out of Denver are that he has lost weight and is ready to resume the role as the starting tailback. He will not be handed the job, as CJ Anderson is trying to stake his own claim on the position. Ball is only owned in 54.4% of ESPN leagues so he might be available on your respective waiver wires.
2. CJ Anderson, Broncos: CJ Anderson is coming off his career best day against the lowly Oakland Raiders in which he had 13 carries for 90 yards and 5 catches for 73 yards and a TD. Anderson has actually outperformed Ball on the season, but the Denver coaching staff still seems to not completely trust Anderson. During the weeks that Ball was out, Anderson remained mostly dormant behind Hillman and Juwan Thompson. Anderson is more of a complimentary and special teams player than feature NFL running back, but the production cannot be denied. If Ball is not able to go or if his performance is underwhelming again, Anderson might be in for a lot of work going forward. Anderson is only owned in 3.5% of leagues so will be available in your league.
3. Damien Williams, Dolphins: Williams may find himself as the primary back in the Dolphins offense for Thursday night against the Bills, because starter Lamar Miller has a sprained AC joint and was basically useless last Sunday. The Dolphins have the short turnaround and will kick off on Thursday night, and there is no guarantee that Miller will be ready. Williams is only owned in .4% of leagues and is worth a speculative add as you watch the inactive list for Thursday night.
Wide Receivers to Add
1. Jordan Matthews, Eagles: Add Jordan Matthews to the list of dynamic rookie WR’s to make an impact on the 2014 season. Matthews seems top be the main beneficiary of the QB change to Mark Sanchez as he hauled in 7 catches for 138 yards and a TD in the Monday night game against the Panthers. Matthews and Sanchez have a rapport that comes from working together on the second team for much of training camp. Sanchez will continue to look Matthews way as Jeremy Maclin draws attention fro the defense and often times leaving Matthews in single coverage. The Eagles do a nice job of creating mismatches using Matthews, lining him up in the slot and having him beat safety’s and even LB’s one on one.
2. John Brown, Cardinals: Similar to the Matthews situation, Brown will benefit by having a QB change from Carson Palmer to Drew Stanton. Stanton and Brown grew very familiar with each other working all summer in Arizona. In games that Drew Stanton has played, John Brown has just as many targets as Fitzgerald and Floyd, and more yards and TDs. With Brown only being owned in 7.7% of ESPN leagues, and his usage rate seemingly rising with the QB change, he is a must add for all fantasy leagues.
3. Preston Parker, Giants: The Giants are looking for a number 2 WR, and Reuben Randle is not the guy. Parker had 7 catches for 77 yards and a TD in a game against the Seattle Seahawks, and looked explosive whole doing it. He is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues.