Darren McFadden – RB – Cowboys: Maybe I was wrong to ride the Christine Michael hype train. With Randle missing time due to injury last week, Run DMC broke loose for more than 150 yards on 29 carries. The former Raider looked like the talented early draft pick he was in his younger days before injuries slowed his career. While there’s certainly no guarantee that McFadden will continue to put up dazzling numbers, he’s worth a pickup, as he has a chance to become the lead runner in a backfield that desperately needs one.
Alfred Blue – RB – Texans: Shocker: Arian Foster is out for the season. While it’s hard to get too excited about Alfred Blue, he will now step in as the starter in Houston over Chris Polk. Blue tallied 139 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers immediately before Foster came back, so he has some upside. Make sure to grab Blue if you have a low waiver priority as a spot start in the coming bye weeks.
Brandon LaFell – WR – Patriots: A lot of people are down on LaFell after his atrocious performance last Sunday against the Jets, in which he totaled six drops. The good news: he saw eight targets. While there is some good competition for targets in New England, the Pats lack a true deep threat at wide receiver. LaFell could step up in the next few games to add a new dimension to a high-powered offense, don’t miss out if he’s available in your league.
Stefon Diggs – WR – Vikings: This kid’s for real. After three straight games of at least nine targets, Diggs has emerged as the Vikings number one receiver, and a legitimate fantasy news story. Teddy Bridgewater has developed fantastic chemistry with the rookie wide out and should continue to get him the ball. Diggs is still seriously under-owned but that’s about to change, so make sure to scoop up the athletic pass-catcher while you still can as a high upside flex play. This week he’ll take on a weak Bears defense; so don’t hesitate to play him.
Jordan Reed – TE – Redskins: Though he’s certainly injury prone, when on the field, Reed is one of the best tight ends in the league. He made fantasy updates after playing a monster game against the Bucs in week seven, scoring two touchdowns on 11 receptions, and is a reliable starting tight end every week. Kirk Cousins will continue to utilize him as a check down option, giving Reed a safe floor and a high ceiling. If you’re in need of a TE Reed should be first in your waiver queue, especially in PPR leagues.
Charcandrick West – RB – Chiefs: Everyone added West two weeks ago after Jamaal Charles went down with an injury, and then everyone dropped him after he underperformed in week seven. It’s time to add him again. West went ham in a game over Pittsburgh on Sunday, racking up 139 yards and a score and well outperforming his competitor, Kniles Davis. West is fantastic pickup for owners in need of a reliable fill in at RB, if he’s still available.
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