Viva Murillo!
Roster spots are precious, and with bye weeks and injuries some tough decisions have to be made. But can your opponent's loss be your gain?
By "loss" I mean loss of faith in a particular player. When a guy isn't worth his roster spot, he becomes a free agent -- allowing you an opportunity to acquire a player you missed on draft day.
In two leagues I've picked up Kevin Walter and Anthony Gonzalez. Both were dropped due to injury, and were deemed less important than a waiver wire pickup. Gonzalez is a longer-term prospect, since we won't see any production from him for a few weeks yet. Walter has had one good week and one dud -- about what you'd expect for the second receiving option in Houston. I think they're worth a spot for now, and I was able to take advantage of other owners' decisions.
At this time of year, you might see similar guys available in your league. Bye weeks, injuries and under-performing starters -- coupled with the allure of waiver wire gems -- provide some opportunities. Keep an eye out for guys who would normally be tucked away on another team, but are now free agents. For example, Mike Bell is former waiver wire gem himself, and his injury (coupled with the resurgence of Pierre Thomas) might make him expendable. Since we don't know how the Saints want to work him into the mix when he returns, he might be worth a spot start at some point -- especially if Thomas gets hurt again.
You never know who might show up on the waiver wire at this time of year. Chester Taylor is a player who would become very valuable if Adrian Peterson got hurt. But an owner who needs a starter this week might not be able to afford the luxury of an insurance policy, especially if the league has very tight rosters. If the Frank Gore owner wanted Glen Coffee last week or the McFadden owner is pursuing Michael Bush, they might have to part with a good player. Why not see if that good player should be on your team?
This week the Packers and Saints are off. Next week the Colts have a bye. Fantasy teams will have a lot of holes to fill, so instead of focusing on who gets picked up, keep an eye out for who gets dropped. You might improve your team with the cast-offs.
Gonzalez might never start for my team, but the Colts are at Jacksonville and home against the Jets in the fantasy playoffs. Mike Bell is home for two games (against the Cowboys and Buccaneers) during that time as well. I've had to drop guys I'd rather keep stashed on my roster, and I've seen other owners do well with them later in the year. You probably have as well. I suggest you be that "other owner" and make some room for guys who won't get you a win in week 5, but might get you one in week 15.
You can reach Michael Murillo at vivamurillo@gmail.com.
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