Following injuries and breakthrough performances last week, there are a number of fantasy football waiver wire gems available heading into Week 10. If your team has a roster spot open, take a look on the waiver wire for one of these fantasy options:
QB Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers
Alex Smith struggled last week but he’s at least putting touchdowns on the board. Playing on Thursday this week, he’s a decent start versus the Bears. His long-term ceiling remains relatively high.
RB Ladell Betts, Washington Redskins
With Clinton Portis likely to miss Week 10, Ladell Betts is a quality start against the Broncos. He …read more

As we venture into Week 9, there are a few fantasy football waiver wire pickups worth a mention. If these guys are available on your fantasy league’s waiver wire and you need to fill a gap, sign these fantasy sleepers and be confident in their production.
QB Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers
Alex Smith was decent in his first start of the season against the tough Colts. Against the Titans in Week 9, Smith is very much a sleeper. He could be huge.
RB Ryan Moats, Houston Texans
The Texans were mad at Steve Slaton for his fumbling. They gave Ryan Moats a shot …read more

Heading into Week 8 of the 2009 fantasy football season, it’s time to swing for the fences on your waiver wire claims. You don’t want a run of the mill player — you want to catch lightning in a bottle. Here are some fantasy football super sleepers who fit the bill:
QB Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers
The Alex Smith Era is back on in San Francisco. The Niners are giving the reins to their team once again to the former number one overall pick. Last week, Smith looked impressive. Perhaps he can actually keep it up and live up to his …read more

In a somewhat surprising move, the San Francisco 49ers have handed the keys of their offensive over to quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan, who spent last season with the Detroit Lions, will start Week 1 for the 49ers.
The big loser in this announcement is obviously Alex Smith. The former first overall draft pick is now looking like a certified bust. He’s been bad during his NFL career and this might be the final nail in his coffin as a 49er.
The fantasy football impact of O’Sullivan being named the starter shouldn’t be too powerful. O’Sullivan is …read more

1. Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons will struggle to get four wins in 2008.
2. Kansas City Chiefs – Both their offense and defense have question marks.
3. Miami Dolphins – They will be improved — but that’s not saying much.
4. San Francisco 49ers – With Alex Smith in charge, the Niners will struggle.
5. Oakland Raiders – They have young talent but they will struggle to win.

Can Darren McFadden make the Raiders the surprise NFL team in 2008?
Photo: Newscom

1. Atlanta Falcons
Is there any doubt that the Atlanta Falcons are currently the worst team in the NFL? The Falcons have yet to recover from the Michael Vick fiasco. Until a quarterback (such as rookie Matt Ryan) proves capable, the Falcons will circle the drain of the NFL.

Can Matt Ryan be the savior?
2. Miami Dolphins
Bill Parcels will eventually turn the Miami Dolphins around but it won’t be in 2008. On the offensive side of the field, the Dolphins don’t have many playmakers. On defense, the Dolphins’ best player, Jason Taylor, is unhappy. The Dolphins will …read more

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Owen Daniels, Houston Texans
Quietly, Owen Daniels is emerging as a very quality tight end for the Houston Texans. He has good hands and should become a mainstay in the Texans’ passing game for a long time. In 2008, look for even more catches and even more touchdowns.
LJ Smith, Philadelphia Eagles
Spending most of the season injured, LJ Smith had a forgettable 2007 campaign. However, the Eagles made Smith their franchise player and they expect him to be a key part to their success …read more

Here are some players that could have big games on Sunday and help lead your playoff fantasy football team to victory:
QB Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
Rivers has had a rocky season but the Chargers will need him to perform well against the Titans. When healthy, the Titans can defend the run rather well. If Tennessee stuffs the run, it’ll be up to Rivers to move the ball. He has good options on offense and should be able to produce. He might get intercepted a time or two in this game but he should be up decent enough stats.
RB Brandon Jacobs, …read more

QB Matt Schaub, Houston Texans – If Schaub is available on your league’s waiver wire, pick him up. While his season stats aren’t impressive, the Texans’ offense is finally relatively healthy. Andre Johnson returned in Week 11 and didn’t waste any time scoring on a long touchdown pass from Schaub. Owen Daniels is also a solid tight end across the middle of the field. All told, Schaub is a very good quarterback to have on your team, especially this week versus the Cleveland Browns.
RB Kolby Smith, Kansas City Chiefs – Larry Johnson appears to possibly be out for the season. …read more