Fantasy Football: High on Robert Woods, sound alarm on Matt Forte

Now is the time to make an impact on the waiver wire. Snagging players now can make your season down the road. Be sure to check out Rotoballer.com’s Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Tool for up-to-the-hour waiver wire advice and ideas.

Watkins Injury Clears Path through the Woods

Unfortunately for the Bills, start wide out Sammy Watkins was placed on IR last week as a result of lingering issues from an offseason foot surgery. Watkins may have a follow-up surgery on deck, meaning the Bills could be without their number one wide receiver for the rest of the season. In his absence, Robert Woods will become Tyrod Taylor’s top target by default. Woods did not disappoint those savvy enough to add him last week with seven catches for 89 yards on ten targets. Woods will continue to see targets every week and should be added immediately in all PPR formats and deep standard leagues.

Tom Brady’s Return Yields a Bright White Light

James White hasn’t done much of anything out of the Patriots backfield in 2016, but that should change immediately with Tom Brady’s return from suspension. Brady knows how to use pass-catching backs, as he’s made fantasy assets out of Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead and Dion Lewis in recent years. White was terrific at the end of last season with Brady, with 28 catches and four total touchdowns over the Patriots final four games of the season. He has RB2 upside in any PPR format.

Yards per Carry Are No Longer Matt’s Forte

After exploding in the first two games of the season with 264 total yards and three touchdowns on 59 total touches, Jets running back Matt Forte has been awful. He’s posted a terrible 3.17 yards per carry in the last two weeks and has not found the end zone. During that same time, change-of-pace back Bilal Powell has averaged a spectacular 7.0 yards per carry while adding 12 catches for 95 yards. Forte is getting up there in age, and this backfield could evolve into a full-on timeshare as early as this week. Add Powell in all formats, and if you own Forte begin exploring trade options.

NFL Sleepers of the Week

Each week we will identify three players worth taking a shot on in deeper leagues.

Kenneth Dixon, RB, Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens have released Justin Forsett, and while Terrance West will control the Baltimore backfield this week, Dixon should supplant him in the near future.

Dontrelle Inman, WR, San Diego Chargers – He has led all San Diego receivers in snaps in each game this season, and he finally broke out with fantasy production in Week 4. Add him in 12-team leagues or larger.

Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles – Could be on the waiver wire after being on bye last week. Has shown incredible poise so far, should continue to produce high-end QB2 numbers.