Big news in week seven; a benching at quarterback, a major season-ending injury at running back and a new target for Tom Brady. Here is your fantasy football waiver wire run for week eight.
BRUCE GRADKOWSKI (OAK-QB): The career backup came in for a struggling JaMarcus Russell and did nothing of note in completing 10 of 19 passes for 97 yards. The weak-armed Gradkowski offers little to nothing to Oakland’s passing game, aside from decent mobility outside the pocket. The 6’1” Pittsburgh native should only be considered in the deepest of deep leagues if (and only if) the Raiders announce that Gradkowski will be their starter next week in sunny San Diego.
SHONN GREENE (NYJ-RB): The rookie tore up the comical Raiders to the tune of 144 yards and two scores in place of an injured Leon Washington. The downhill, no-frills back impressed with his low-to-the-ground running style and his ability to deliver blows to oncoming tacklers. Look for Greene and veteran Thomas Jones to split carries behind a physical offensive line. The young thumper is a viable flex back in most leagues.
ALEX SMITH (SF-QB): In an unexpected move, coach Mike Singletary replaced an ineffective Shaun Hill with Smith in San Francisco’s road loss to Houston. The former number-one draft pick didn’t disappoint. Smith displayed good touch and accuracy on his throws. Most importantly, though, the Utah product looked much more decisive in finding open receivers than he has in the past. Smith’s promising 206-yard, three touchdown performance will probably earn him a start versus Indianapolis next week in a game where the Niners will most likely be forced to throw the ball more than they normally would. The 25-year-old signal caller remains a risky start until he proves he can duplicate his positive showing following a week in which the opposition will have a week to prepare for him.
MIKE BELL (NO-RB): Previously mentioned along with Greene in Ones to Watch, Bell led all Saint backs with 80 yards on only 12 carries. The 26-year-old journeyman is a hard-nosed, downhill runner that serves as New Orleans’ goal-line/change-of-pace back. Following a fast start early in the year, Bell was dropped by a number of fantasy owners after a minor knee injury and the subsequent return of Pierre Thomas, who bounced back from his own physical woes. It’s unlikely that the unsung bruiser is still available, but he might still be out there for the taking in shallow formats. Bell is a weekly start in touchdowns-based, non-PPR leagues.
JASON SNELLING (ATL-FB/RB): In light of Jerious Norwood’s latest physical ailment (expected to keep him out for the next few games), Snelling has suddenly become Atlanta’s 1A runner to Michael Turner. The third-year man acquitted himself well in that role this week by gaining 68 rushing yards and recording one reception for 10 yards. Snelling may not be as quick as Turner, but he shows no hesitation in hitting the hole and has the strength to break tackles. The backup should be considered in 14 and 16-team leagues, along with being an insurance add for Turner owners.
SAM AIKEN (NE-WR): The physical 6’3” wide out turned a short crossing pattern into a 54-yard score this week giving evidence of his great hands, strength, and agility, despite not possessing deep speed. The fact that he’s currently a number-three receiver option in New England’s high-octane should put him on top of most people’s free agent priority lists.
JAMES JONES (GB-WR): Jones second consecutive week with a touchdown is a clear indication of his continuing growth in Green Bay’s prolific offense. The former San Jose State Spartan has the number-three receiver role all to himself after previously sharing it with the injured Jordy Nelson. Jones won’t catch many passes with Donald Driver and Greg Jennings ahead of him, but he remains a big target that’s particularly effective on slant plays and in the area of gaining big yards after the catch.
BRIAN HARTLINE (MIA-WR): The tall rookie receiver gave further proof of his potential by taking a shallow slant and breaking a couple of tackles on his way to turning in a 67-yard play that nearly ended up being a touchdown. Recently featured in Ones to Watch, Hartline has the hands, on-field smarts, and route-running skills develop into an every-week starter down the road with an improving Chad Henne at the helm. Hartline is a keeper league addition.
DONALD LEE (GB-TE): Lee is a short-term add as a result of Jermichal Finley’s knee sprain expected to keep him out for at least two weeks. The 29-year-old tight end might not be as explosive as the younger Finley, but he does have receiver-like skills and some acceleration after the catch. Aaron Rodgers will undoubtedly be looking for Lee as safety valve option next week with Jared Allen and company ready to bring the heat at Lambeau Field.
GARY BARNIDGE (CAR-TE): The offensively challenged Panthers finally starting getting the physically skilled Barnidge more involved versus Buffalo. On one particular play, the embattled Jake Delhomme made arguably his finest throw of the season to the second-year tight end on a pretty 52-yard over-the-shoulder connection. Deep league fantasy owners may want to look into Barnidge as a bye-week fill-in.
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