Jerome Simpson comes off his suspension just in time for a favorable matchup in Detroit. He’s probably lurking on the wire and is worth a chance, with Ponder looking competent without him through three weeks. Simpson will give you an instant starting possibility and also projects as a WR 3/4 during the bye weeks and someone you can use based on matchups. He’s currently owned in less than 30% of leagues.

As with previous weeks, we focus on Shallow (owned in between 50 and 70% of leagues), Deep (25-50% ownership) and Deeper (less than 25% entering this waiver wire period).

QUARTERBACK

Shallow: The matchup you want if he’s available is Josh Freeman against Washington, who are dead last in pass defense, and have allowed Andy Dalton and Sam Bradford (plus Mohamed Sanu) to light them up in the last six quarters without Brian Orakpo.

Deeper: Christian Ponder is coming off a solid performance against a tough defense, and now gets the Lions, who have struggled on the back end and are not getting enough pressure on quarterbacks so far. Ponder would be a sneaky fantasy play this week if you are desperate. Kevin Kolb played much better on Sunday and will likely get a few more starts at least. The Dolphins have been tough against the run but are a favorable passing matchup.

 

RUNNING BACK

Shallow: If for some reason Jacquizz Rodgers is still available, pick him up. He got early touches, though Turner ended up with more yards. Rodgers could earn more playing time in the coming weeks, and the offense is good enough to support him as a potential flex play if so.

Deep: Daniel Thomas is going to get an opportunity in Miami with Bush’s injury. Not crazy about his talent/performance so far in the NFL, but worth a speculative add or a few bucks if you need a starter for this week. The matchup is against Arizona, though, so I wouldn’t go overboard.

Deeper: Lamar Miller was on the injury report last week, but could surpass Thomas if Bush is out for a while. Chris Johnson has been dreadful. Javon Ringer missed last week, but might get more work soon if things don’t change. Tashard Choice may get a one week start if neither Fred Jackson or C.J. Spiller can go. That’s unknown right now, so don’t go crazy on a guy that might not even start one week, but add him if available on a cheap pickup. (I’m so happy I got the platoon of Jackson/Spiller so I would have one to play).

WIDE RECEIVER

Shallow: Mike Williams had a good matchup in week 2 against the Giants and was worth a start. He had a bad one last week against Dallas. Back to the good again, or should we say great going against Washington. He could be out there, and becomes an instant start if so. If he’s already on your roster, get him in the lineup.

Deeper: James Jones and the Packers offense will find things much easier this week against the Saints after opening with SF, CHI and SEA. Not saying I would start him with Jennings back, but in a pinch, if you have injuries by Sunday, he’s an emergency start with a great matchup who should still be sitting there.

Ramses Barden had a breakout game thanks to circumstances with injury, and matchup. If Nicks is out again this week, Barden becomes a starting option at WR.

TIGHT END

Shallow: Well, I’ve been touting Kyle Rudolph as a starting option for weeks, and this will be the last one where he is owned in less than 70% of leagues.

Deeper: Dallas Clark is over the hill, and I wouldn’t want him for more than one week, but if you are cobbling things together at tight end for a few weeks, the Redskins have been dreadful defensively and struggled covering Gresham last week.

KICKER

Deeper: My adds would be rookies Blair Walsh and Greg Zeuerlein.

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS: The Cardinals are owned in less than half of all leagues and this week get a rookie quarterback without Reggie Bush. Must add. After that, if you are in turnover heavy leagues, roll the dice on the Broncos versus Raiders and Falcons versus Panthers, both owned in about half of all leagues.

[photo via US Presswire]