A sense of balance has returned to the realm of fantasy football.
Before Monday’s action, Ezekiel Elliott, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers are three of the five names sitting as the highest scorers of Week 10.
Likewise, underrated waiver targets such as San Diego Chargers wideout Tyrell Williams (18 points) and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (21) posted strong outings.
With some of the normal names back to effective play and the waiver wire a reliable asset, it’s time for owners to dive into research early in the week and get out ahead of others on the waiver wire. The correct moves right now could be the difference between a fantasy championship and starting to browse for team names for next year.
Week 11 Waiver-Wire Targets
Colin Kaepernick, QB, SF (14.2)
A top-six scorer at quarterback before Monday’s action, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has posted quality streaming production in each of the last two weeks.
Kaepernick posted 21 points in Week 9, then followed with 23 more against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10, a surprising performance given the strength of the Arizona defense.
It was an encouraging performance, to say the least. The San Francisco staff kept the passing game simple, which had Kaepernick throw for 210 yards and a score. It also had him back running effectively, which led to 10 carries for another 55 yards and a score.
Should the staff keep Kaepernick comfortable, he’s a lock for strong production against the New England Patriots in Week 11. He’ll likely be playing from behind, enabling him to fight for one of the week’s top point totals at the position.
James Starks, RB, GB (29.3)
Owners can’t afford to ignore Green Bay Packers running back James Starks.
Lost in a stunning 47-25 defeat at the hands of the Tennessee Titans is the fact Starks received seven carries. Doesn’t sound like much at first glance, but it was more than anyone else on the roster.
In other words, Starks became the lead back upon his return, taking more carries than Ty Montgomery, who had held down the position with others hurt. The usage helped the veteran total 10 points by way of seven carries for 33 yards and three catches for 11 yards and a score.
With yet another humbling defeat on their hands, the Packers might realize it is time to get back to a more balanced offense. If so, Starks will remain the lead back after staying on the field during passing downs against the Titans.
Starks is a must-have add based on usage alone, but it sure doesn’t hurt that he gets the Washington Redskins next, a team that entered Week 10 allowing the fifth-most points to opposing backs on average.
Taylor Gabriel, WR, ATL (1.6)
It is time for owners to take Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel in a serious manner.
Most waiver columns have stressed this for weeks, and the results keep pouring in—the Abilene Christian product has now recorded 12, 13 and 13 points over his last three outings with two total receiving scores.
Detractors might suggest Gabriel isn’t worth the risk because he’s a deep threat. But when he’s making plays such as the one captured by Atlanta’s official Twitter account, it is hard to look away:
Gabriel isn’t Julio Jones, and owners shouldn’t expect him to be. He’s a deep threat developing a strong connection with Matt Ryan, though. Hence his three, five and five targets over the past three games.
With his usage increasing and production already apparent, owners should take the leap.
Cameron Brate, TE, TB, (36.7)
Say hello to a regular on the must-add list.
A staple of waiver lists since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed Austin Seferian-Jenkins the door, Cameron Brate has scored 10 or more points three times with a high of 16.
His 14 in Week 10 have him sitting second in scoring at the spot before Monday and extended his touchdown streak to three games. The hard work has paid off, as Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times helped illustrate:
Brate has five or more targets in five of his last seven outings and already ranks third on the team in targets despite the slow start, proof enough he’s a staple of the attack.
At a position lacking consistency, Brate is a great get while riding the three-touchdown streak and consistent targets. He’ll keep benefiting from being the guy the ball goes to when Mike Evans finds himself draped in coverage.
All scoring info and statistics courtesy of ESPN.com standard leagues, as are points-against info and ownership stats.
Follow Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) on Twitter.
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