Fantasy Football: Paul Perkins, Rishard Matthews, Brandon Marshall advice

Now in the home stretch, it’s more important now than ever to do your research on the waiver wire. Be sure to check out Rotoballer.com’s Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Tool for up-to-the-hour waiver wire advice and ideas, and to follow me @Roto_Dubs for quick-hitting news and analysis.

Possible Changing of the Guard in New York

Veteran Rashad Jennings has been woefully ineffective this season for the New York Giants, and his ineptitude has left the door open for rookie Paul Perkins. In the Giants win over the Eagles on Sunday, each of the two backs received 11 carries, and Perkins was the (slightly) more productive of the two. Jennings is averaging a dismal 2.6 yards per carry, and it’s looking more and more likely that the timeshare could shift in Perkins’ favor in the very near future.

Unsuspecting Wide Receiver is the Go-To in Tennessee

27-year-old Rishard Matthews has quietly become the top receiving option in Tennessee, and while that role has its limits in the run-heavy offense, it’s impossible to deny that Matthews now carries every-week flex appeal. He’s scored five touchdowns in his last five games, and has led all Titans wide receivers in targets in that time. With matchups against the porous Packers, Colts and Bears secondaries on deck, Matthews should be a top waiver wire add this week.

Jets Veteran Handicapped by Uncertainty Under Center

While there is no denying how talented Brandon Marshall is, even the best wide receivers can’t produce without a capable quarterback throwing them the ball. Unfortunately, Marshall has been incredibly underwhelming as a fantasy asset with Ryan Fitzpatrick playing some of the worst football of his career. It’s going to be tough to trust Marshall as anything more than a WR3 as long as Fitzpatrick is starting, and Marshall’s prospects would dip further if Bryce Petty were to take over as the starting QB.

NFL Sleepers of the Week

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

Trevor Siemian, QB, Denver Broncos – The Saints defense allows an average of 300 yards per game to opposing quarterbacks. Siemian is a slam-dunk this week.

Rob Kelley, RB, Washington Redskins – Head coach Jay Gruden announced that it would be Rob Kelley receiving a majority of the carries and that Matt Jones would need to “earn his way back”.

Marqise Lee, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars – With Allen Hurns in the concussion protocol, Lee stands to see a huge uptick in targets this week.