Fantasy football is a game of inches. You have to pay attention to it every day because it's the little moves that add up to difference-makers over time. For that reason, the waiver wire is crucial for sustaining success. Here are three free agents to pick up this week.
1. Jonas Gray, RB, New England Patriots
Look, trusting New England Patriots running backs is like trusting an ex. You just can't count on it consistently. But when a guy who is owned in less than 10 percent of ESPN leagues is the top fantasy scorer with 43 points (!), he's at least worth a look. Gray rushed 38 times (!!) for 199 yards and four touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts last night. Is Gray likely to repeat this performance? No. But did the undrafted free agent just get on coach Bill Belichick's good side in a major way? Absolutely. Roster him and keep your fingers crossed that Belichick sticks with Gray behind Shane Vereen.
2. Jordan Matthews, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
The rookie wide receiver is still available in nearly 60 percent of leagues, and has been on fire lately. Matthews seems to have a good rapport with Mark Sanchez as he has hauled in 12 catches for 245 yards and three touchdowns with Sanchez under center. Matthews has four receiving scores in Philly's last three games and four double digit fantasy games in his last eight as he has emerged as the team's consistent No. 2 pass catching target behind Jeremy Maclin. I seemed to project my own past-athletic history on Matthews by leaving him on my bench this week as he went off for five catches, 107 yards and a tuddie. Lesson learned.
3. Alfred Blue, RB, Houston Texans
Blue should only be viewed as a handcuff for Arian Foster. But the sixth-round draft choice impressed in Foster's absence yesterday. Blue carried the ball 36 times for 156 yards against the Cleveland Browns. Foster continues to deal with a groin injury that has his status for Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals up in the air. Should Foster be unable to go, Blue is still available in roughly 35 percent of leagues. While quarterback Ryan Mallett looked comfortable in his first ever NFL start, this team still wants to run the ball. That bodes well for Blue if Foster continues to miss time.
