Everyone rushes for the trendy, hot waiver pick-up each week. Although there is merit to picking some of those players up at given points in the season, you should really be weary of those “one-hit wonders.” You know the guys that just have great matchups and shine a week or two each year.
Well I think it’s high time to point out the players that get almost no pub due to their team’s record or the small market they play in. Let’s look at the “Under the Radar” bunch by position.
QB: Derek Anderson - He has the third most points at the position this year. Did anyone think he was more than a stepping stone before the season starts? He has benefited from some weak opponents so far but he did hold his own against Baltimore. He ends the year with games against HOU, ARI, BUF, NYJ, CIN and SF. If you can get him, it would be worth your while to give up second tier RB or WR.
RB: Edgerin James - Yes, he was a top round draft pick but he is not getting the recognition for being a top 5 back all year. He may not get 4 TDs in a game but he is steady. Plus with the QB issues, he will be leaned on down the stretch with a borderline playoff team. He ends his season with DET, CIN, SF, CLE, SEA, NO, ATL and STL. Doesn’t get much easier than that.
WR: Braylon Edwards - Yes, I’m guilty of picking 2 guys from CLE but it’s not without reason. This guy gets open and Anderson has a knack for finding him each week. His schedule concludes with HOU, ARI, BUF, NYJ, CIN and SF as well. I’m betting he improves his 2008 draft position to 3rd round by the end of this season.
TE: Chris Cooley - No surprise here because this guy is underrated every year. He’s seventh in points but he has had his bye already. If Santana Moss can get healthy and clear space for him, watch out! Plus he ends the year with BUF, CHI, NYG, MIN and DAL.
K: Nick Folk - Of course he plays on the high scoring Cowboys but he’s accurate as all get up. Kris Brown and Matt Stover are stealing headlines but Folk has had only one game under 9 points and is currently second in K points. He ends the year with team defenses that are poor between the 20s but clamp down in the red zone (PHL, NYG, WAS, NYJ, GB, DET, PHI, CAR, WAS). That adds up to buku FG chances.
DST: KC Chiefs - The Arrowhead faithful know that even thought the offense can’t score the defense has been pretty stingy. They sit at 13th in points this year due to lack of turnovers but expect that to change. There offense is getting healthier and can put more pressure on teams to take chances. They end the season with teams that have turned the ball over a lot (DEN, TEN, DET and NYJ). Take a chance and see it get paid off in the playoffs.
Question of the day: Who did you take a chance on this year that you picked up for the stretch drive?
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