Fantasy: Waiver Wire - Week 11
Each week, theScore's fantasy editors will run down the top waiver wire pickups with a focus on the coming week and the rest of the season.
Quarterback
Michael Vick, Jets
Bye
Pickings are slim for fantasy owners in need of a new starting quarterback after Carson Palmer's injury. Vick showed he can still make plays with his legs and his arm in the Jets' upset win Sunday. He'll never be close to the player he was during that magical season with the Philadelphia Eagles, but it's possible he can maintain low-end QB1 status for the Jets' remaining games.
Running Back
Montee Ball, Broncos
at Rams, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
If by some chance Ball hit the waiver wire in your league during his extended absence with a groin injury, scoop him up immediately. Ball is expected to return to the Broncos' lineup in Week 11 and he may immediately step into a starting job, as Ronnie Hillman is expected to miss at least two weeks with a mid-foot sprain.
C.J. Anderson, Broncos
at Rams, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
Anderson is likely to form the other half of the Broncos' new backfield timeshare with Hillman sidelined. It's possible he'll lead the team in rushing attempts in Week 11, as Ball may be eased back into the mix. If Ball is owned in your league, Anderson is the player to target.
Theo Riddick, Lions
at Cardinals, Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET
Riddick has assumed Reggie Bush's role as the Lions' receiving back, in part because Bush can't stay healthy. In his last three games, Riddick has averaged five receptions and one touchdown. Don't expect him to continue scoring at a touchdown-per-game pace, but he's a decent option for owners in PPR leagues and could prove to be a viable RB2 for the stretch run in standard leagues.
Charles Sims, Buccaneers
at Redskins, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
The rookie made his pro debut on Sunday, producing 40 yards and a lost fumble on 10 touches. As the season progresses, Sims should take on a bigger share of the Buccaneers' rushing attack. Bobby Rainey has the inside edge to retain the early-down work, but Sims eventually earning starter's carries is not out of the question.
Wide Receiver
Jordan Matthews, Eagles
at Packers, Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET
Mark Sanchez and Matthews developed a strong rapport in the preseason and it carried over to Sanchez's first start for the Eagles on Monday night, with Matthews catching seven of nine targets for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Jeremy Maclin remains the top option in the Eagles passing game, but Matthews may have surpassed Riley Cooper as second fiddle.
Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs
vs. Seahawks, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
Bowe doesn't score touchdowns and doesn't produce big plays (Alex Smith may be to blame on both fronts), but he has at least six catches in each of his last three games and double-digit targets in two of those contests. He's a high-floor (or at least medium-floor) option for PPR owners in a bind.
Jarvis Landry, Dolphins
vs. Bills, Thursday at 8:25 p.m. ET
Landry is quietly proving to be a startable player in PPR formats, catching at least four passes in five of his last six games. Landry's YAC ability leads Ryan Tannehill to look his way on short routes when his blocking breaks down - something that might happen a lot more frequently with Branden Albert heading to IR.
Tight End
Mychal Rivera, Raiders
at Chargers, Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET
Rivera has played nearly 80 percent of the Raiders' snaps and seen nearly 30 pass targets in the past three weeks, converting three of them into touchdowns. He's firmly entrenched as a key part of the team's passing attack. So what if much of his production comes in garbage time? Garbage-time points count as much as points scored in the first quarter.
Kyle Rudolph, Vikings
at Bears, Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET
Rudolph could return from sports hernia surgery as soon as Week 11 and has the chance to be a TE1 throughout the fantasy playoffs. Stash him if you need help at the position.