Week Thirteen Waiver Wire Walker

It’s Saturday which means time to set your fantasy lineup before the Sunday deadline. In the case that you have an injury or just don’t have that strong of a lineup this week, here are some waiver wire pickups that you’ll be sure to appreciate.

1. Dennis Johnson HOU RB (0.8% Owned)
   Last week the Patriots defense got torched by Knowshon Moreno and the Broncos for 280 yards and a TD, look for this week to be no different for the Texans and rookie running back Dennis Johnson. This entire season, the Pats have held opposing teams to under 93 yards only twice, once against Atlanta and another time against Carolina. Last week Johnson was perhaps the only bright spot for the Texans, going for 74 yards on 13 carries (5.7 yards per carry) along with 13 yards receiving. Johnson wasn’t spectacular, however with Ben Tate showing that he’s no longer the yards-per-carry monster he once was, Johnson should get the hefty dose of Texan’s carries. Don’t expect much from Johnson going in, but at the same time, don’t be surprised if he goes off for 80+ and 2 TDs in a Texans win.
2. Michael Floyd ARI WR (70.7% Owned)
   Floyd has been outstanding as of late, catching back-to-back 100+ yard games against the Jaguars and the Colts, with 13 receptions and 297 yards between the two games. After a relatively quiet rookie season, Floyd has really shined in Arizona. Reason being great QB play from veteran QB Carson Palmer and double coverage on WR Larry Fitzgerald. In 2013, Floyd has never caught below 22 yards or 2 receptions in a single game. This translates to guaranteed fantasy points. This week, Floyd and the Cards will be up against an atrocious Philadelphia Eagles pass defense that ranks last in the league in points given up to opposing wide receivers. Although you may see a drop-off in yardage with Floyd, don’t expect his overall fantasy value to totally vanish, he is still a very solid play this week against the Eagles.
3. Brian Hartline MIA WR (34.4% Owned)
   Hartline in 2013 has been consistent as they come, particularly over the last 3 games. Against the Buccaneers, Chargers and Panthers, Hartline has averaged 5 catches per game, not to mention his 200 yards in 3 games. Week in and week out Hartline has shown to be a solid fantasy player, but that’s all that he is, a solid fantasy player, not a great fantasy player. Hartline gets his fair share of targets (he was thrown to 13 times against the Chargers), however when it comes to touchdowns, Hartline is noticeably dormant. This week facing the New York Jets Pass Defense, look for Hartline to finally get his first touchdown catch since week three. The Jets pass defense has allowed 7 touchdowns to wide receivers in the past 4 games, including 4 of them to the Bengals. I expect Ryan Tannehill to dominate the Jets and their weak secondary, throwing perhaps one or even two touchdown passes to Hartline.
4. Josh McCown CHI QB (14.0% Owned)
   Last week for the Bears, McCown was excellent, throwing for 352 yards and 2 TDs as the Bears unfortunately lost to the Rams. As Jay Cutlers 34-year old backup, McCown has actually played surprisingly well. In the 4 games that he has started in place of the injured Cutler, McCown has thrown only 1 interception and has yet to go under 200 yards. This week I predict McCown to have yet another huge game against a Vikings pass defense that has been lack-luster at best. This season, the Purple People Eaters have allowed the 3rd-most fantasy points to opposing QBs. Not once this season has the Minnesota D held an opposing QB under 200 yards or 1 touchdown. Look for McCown, Brandon Marshall, the Bears and your fantasy team (if you chose to pick up McCown) to have huge games this Sunday.
5. Chris Ivory NYJ RB (86.3% Owned)
   Ivory has proven over the past 4 games that he is the main guy in New York and as long as Geno Smith is serving up interceptions, expect Ivory to get those carries. Over the past 3 games, the former Tiffin University Dragon has rushed for an average of 90.6 yards per game along with 2 TDs. In 2013, Ivory has definitely shown he can handle the starting job with a 4.3 yards per carry average, however it is up to Rex Ryan and the Jets coaching staff to put Ivory and this Jets offense in motion. On Sunday against the Dolphins I expect big things from Ivory. Of the past 5 weeks, Miami has allowed over 143 yards to opposing backs 4 times. This week should be no different for Ivory and the Jets. The real question will be touchdowns, if Geno Smith can play somewhat adequately, I can see Ivory going for 80+ along with maybe 2 TDs.