Searching The Scrap Heap - Week 10
	written by: Ralph Mancini 11/09/2009

Waiver wire help for week 10

LADELL BETTS (RB-WASH): Betts stepped in for Clinton Portis following the lead back’s concussion, which was serious enough to knock him out of this week’s game, and may very well keep him out for Week 10, according to head coach Jim Zorn. Even if Portis is healthy enough to go, Betts may be the better choice to get the lion’s share of the carries given the fact that the career backup demonstrated a lot more burst than the fading veteran. Betts finished the contest with 70 yards on 15 carries, including a 1-yard score.

KOLBY SMITH (RB-KC): Although Smith only received four carries this week, it’s clear that head coach Todd Haley intends on splitting the workload between Jamaal Charles and the third-year back. Whereas Charles is the speedy and more versatile option, Smith is a shifty inside runner that may get the call in goal-line and short-yardage situations.

CHRIS CHAMBERS (WR-KC): Chambers wasted no time in establishing himself as a legitimate playmaker. The journeyman wide out scored twice versus the Jags, including a 54-yard grab from Matt Cassel with just over two minutes left.  Despite the ex-Chargers shaky hands and less-than-physical play, he’s the most talented receiver on Kansas City’s roster with the exception of Dwayne Bowe. Chambers speed and amazing leaping ability are sorely needed on a struggling offense. Fantasy owners shouldn’t view him as an every-week starter just yet.

JOSH FREEMAN (QB-TB): The first-time starter played with the poise of a 12-year veteran in leading the Bucs to their first victory of the season.  The 21-year-old completed 14 of 31 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns while spearheading his team’s come-from-behind win over a quality Green Bay squad. Freeman showed impressive confidence and put nice touch on his throws, in addition to exhibiting good pocket awareness. The Kansas State product should be picked up in all keeper leagues and may also serve as a decent bench option in deeper single-year formats.

MAURICE STOVALL (WR-TB): Deep leaguers may want to look up the underachieving Stovall if they have an empty roster spot to fill. The 6’4” pass catcher proved a worthy replacement for the hobbled Antonio Bryant by being targeted a team-high seven times, and ended up with 46 yards on three receptions. Monitor the developing relationship between Freeman and the big weapon.

JASON HILL (WR-SF): Hill’s polished route-running skills were put to good use as the slot receiver got open for two touchdowns in San Francisco’s loss to Tennessee. The Washington State product totaled 50 yards on four receptions for the day and has catapulted himself ahead of Isaac Bruce on the depth chart. Going forward, Hill should serve as the Niners’ third wide out. While not fast or flashy, Hill is a physical target that makes plays in traffic. For what it’s worth, San Francisco has been showing a tendency to open things a bit more on offense with Alex Smith at the helm.

JUSTIN GAGE (WR-TEN): There’s no sugarcoating the fact that Gage has been a disappointment for most of the year, but over the past two weeks the 6’4” wide out has shown signs of breaking out of his funk. Gage once again led his team in receiving yards with four catches for 97 yards, including a 33-yard grab, which saw him going airborne on a sky-high Vince Young throw. The 28-year-old Indianapolis native should be targeted quite often in the red zone going forward due to his size and ability to make plays in tight quarters.

BRANDON PETTIGREW (TE-DET): Maybe it was the presence of Calvin Johnson or maybe it’s just the fact that Pettigrew has some of the best hands among players at his position. Whatever the case, the rookie from Oklahoma State was Matt Stafford’s number-one safety valve versus Seattle and should only continue improving as he gets better acquainted with Scott Linehan’s offensive scheme. Both Pettigrew and Johnson should benefit from the fact that six of their last eight games won’t be affected by adverse weather conditions.

BEN PATRICK (TE-AZ): Patrick’s overall numbers aren’t going to get anyone excited, but hey, you’re not going to find Antonio Gates floating around in free agency this time of the year. The thing to note here is that the 6’3” 260-pound tight end has caught touchdowns in consecutive weeks. Having the trust of your quarterback in a prolific offense gives Patrick a modicum of value. Add him to your bench if you have the room.