Fantasy football strategy, rankings, and podcasts

Another week of football in the books and another week of injuries/benchings/breakout performances that give you the opportunity for some helpful waiver wire adds. Oh, and my Bears somehow beat the Vikings... with Cutler as the starting QB? Sometimes this league doesn't make any sense. Anyways, SIX teams are on bye this week; Cardinals, Bears, Bengals, Texans, Patriots and Redskins. Good luck!

Note: all waiver picks listed here will have only been owned in 50% or less of Yahoo leagues at the time of publication.

Quarterback

Joe Flacco (BAL) - 23% owned - The Ravens are coming off their bye week and face off against the Steelers who are giving up a close to bottom of the league 283 yards per game to opposing passers so far this season. Flacco's volume makes him a great floor play this week if you need a bye week fill in as he is currently tied with Drew Brees for most pass attempts per game at 44.

Honorable mention: Ryan Tannehill (MIA) - 22% owned

Running Back

Tim Hightower (NO) - 5% owned - Hightower was thrown into a lead role last week after Mark Ingram gave up a fumble for the second week in a row. With this opportunity Hightower managed to put up 102 yards on 26 carries against the Seahawks and it appears there will now be a timeshare situation in the New Orleans backfield for the time being. I'd normally say he would be a risky play for week 9 until the timeshare situation is clearer, but the Saints draw the 49ers who are giving up 185 yards per game on the ground so there should be plenty of fantasy points for the entire Saints backfield in this one.  

Charcandrick West (KC) - 9% owned - With Spencer Ware in concussion protocol and Jamaal Charles still not healthy, Charcandrick West has a decent shot at being the starter for KC in week 9. It would be a great matchup against the 6th worst rush defense of the Jaguars who are allowing 125 yards per game on the ground.

Honorable mentions: Antone Smith (TB) - 1% owned, Rob Kelley (WAS) - 35% owned

Wide Receiver

J.J. Nelson (ARZ) - 3% owned - After Nelson posted 79 yards and two touchdowns on 8 catches last week Bruce Arians has gone on record to say he will be a starting wide receiver going forward. The Cardinals do have a bye in week 9 so he would be an upside stash for at least a week.

Jamison Crowder (WAS) - 49% owned - Hopefully this will be the last week Crowder will be allowed on here as he should really be owned in all leagues. He is the 13th ranked WR in standard scoring and is coming off another monster game of 9 catches on 13 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown. Redskins also have a bye in week 9 so if you're desperate for a play next week then look to the honorable mentions!

Honorable mentions: Kenny Britt (LA) - 39% owned, Quincy Enunwa (NYJ) - 45% owned

Tight End

Dennis Pitta (BAL) - 44% owned - Pitta will be a serviceable volume play this week against the Steelers as he is averaging just over 8 targets per game. Look his way if you need a bye week replacement.

Honorable mention: Cameron Brate (TB) - 41% owned

Defense/Special Teams

Atlanta Falcons (ATL) - 10% owned - My streaming defense of the week goes to the Falcons up against Tampa Bay. They seem to have found a pass rush lately getting 14 sacks over their last 4 games compared to the 4 they tallied in their first 4 games.

For most fantasy leagues, week 13 is the very last chance your squad will have to make the playoffs, spoil it for someone else, or clinch that all-important bye week. Don't underestimate the value of spending some time poring over the available players on the wire this week and/or even picking up some players or a defense to use in the next week of the playoffs. We'll feature some of those plays on this week's podcast - tune in! Listen to or watch the Fantasy Finish Line podcast to stay on top of the latest news and analysis - we broadcast live on YouTube weekly on Wednesdays at 9pm CT.

Guys that jump out to me this week to overperform expectations: Ryan Tannehill, Devontae Booker, Jamison Crowder, Dawson Knox, and Green Bay Packers D/ST.

Pay attention to these rankings throughout the season, as they will continue to evolve based on the latest injury updates, news, and player analysis. Have any specific lineup questions? Feel free to tweet us @drinkfive with any of your questions or comments!

So you've made it to the fantasy playoffs - congratulations! Now let's get down to business and pick the best plays for this week to move you to the next round. Listen to or watch the Fantasy Finish Line podcast to stay on top of the latest news and analysis - we broadcast live on YouTube weekly on Wednesdays at 9pm CT.

Guys that jump out to me this week to overperform expectations: Kyler Murray, Phillip Rivers, Kenyan Drake, James Conner, Chris Godwin, Jamison Crowder, Anthony Firkser, and Dallas Cowboys D/ST.

Pay attention to these rankings throughout the season, as they will continue to evolve based on the latest injury updates, news, and player analysis. Have any specific lineup questions? Feel free to tweet us @drinkfive with any of your questions or comments!

Week 2 approaches, and with it a brand new set of rankings. Through waiver wires and injuries we'll march, setting the best possible lineups and picking up the players that could possibly turn out to be studs or difference makers in the weeks to come. This week, some players that we like more than the expert consensus are: David Montgomery, Raheem Mostert, Allen Robinson, Jamison Crowder, Courtland Sutton, and Austin Hooper. We also like the Los Angeles Chargers against the Lions. Best of luck, and tune in to the podcast on Wednesday at 9pm CT with any lineup questions!

Pay attention to these rankings throughout the week, as they will continue to evolve based on the latest injury updates, news, and player/matchup analysis. Good luck this season and remember, you can tweet us @drinkfive with any of your lineup questions!