If you want to have long-term success in fantasy football, you need to work the wire. Here’s a look at the top waiver wire adds of the week …
Quarterbacks
John Wolford, Wake Forrest —
% Owned: 15%
Stop, I know how absurd this sounds. I am fully aware that this is the same John Wolford who threw nine touchdowns and 10 picks a season ago. However, he’s also the same John Wolford that has thrown for 947 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 332 yards and four touchdowns this season. This week’s game against Clemson is an obvious sit week, but Wake Forest’s schedule is favorable outside of a Week 12 matchup against NC State.
Nathan Rourke, Ohio —
% Owned: 4%
Nathan Rourke is quietly averaging close to three touchdowns per game in the Bobcats offense this season. Last week’s yardage totals were lackluster, but three touchdowns on the ground show that he calls his own number when the goal line is near. Ohio’s soft schedule provides more upside for Rourke going forward, making him worth an add in deeper leagues.
Thomas Sirk, East Carolina —
% Owned: 24%
Thomas Sirk was drafted in virtually every league this season, which is why so many were surprised that Gardner Minshew was named the starter over the Duke Transfer. Sirk reclaimed the job and has scored seven times in two weeks. He’s proven to be a sure-fire starter, but injuries have hindered Sirk throughout his career, leaving him as a high-risk high-reward type player.
Running Backs
Kani Benoit, Oregon —
% Owned: 20%
With the possibility of Royce Freeman missing time this Saturday, Kani Benoit is a smart add for owners in need of a short-term problem solver. Benoit’s value only increases since Justin Herbert is also out, leaving the Ducks solely relying on the ground game against Washington State this weekend.
Benny LeMay, Charlotte —
% Owned: 1%
Benny LeMay emerged as the top option after the departure of Robert Washington and has rushed for 150+ in two of his last three contests. LeMay has yet to find the end zone on the ground this season, but his monster yards make up for his shortcomings.
Emmanuel Reed, Buffalo —
% Owned: 2%
Buffalo’s offense may not be the flashiest, but Emmanuel Reed knows how to operate in it. Reed has accounted for no fewer than 100 yards in his last three games as well as four touchdowns. He seems to be getting more and more carries each game and is a good play this week against Western Michigan.
Wide Receivers
Jalen Guyton, North Texas —
% Owned: 23%
Jalen Guyton didn’t really draw any attention to himself until this past weekend, when he caught 14 passes for more than 200 yards and a touchdown. With Guyton seeing this much volume for only one week, it’s correct for most fantasy owners to be skeptical. However, it’s hard for me to believe that the Mean Green would abandon this much offensive success.
James Gardner, Miami (OH) —
% Owned: 16%
Consistency is key in fantasy football, and that’s exactly what you get from James Gardner. Gardner has gone over 100 yards receiving in all but one contest and has caught at least five passes in all but one game. He may not find the end zone every game, but he’s an assured 15 fantasy points in PPR leagues.