NFL.com offers up 10 players to target off the waiver wire to improve your fantasy football team. The number listed in parenthesis is the percentage of NFL.com leagues that the player is still listed as a free agent.
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs (90.3 percent)
Cassel is coming off a solid performances for owners, putting up three touchdowns against the Texans. Next on the schedule is a date with another AFC South team, the Jaguars, who have surrendered an average of over 20 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season. Consider Cassel a viable No. 1 option in Week 7.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions (65.1 percent)
The Lions are on a bye in Week 7, but owners in need of a quarterback should still add and stash Stafford. He's expected to be back under center in Week 8, and there's no serious competition for snaps with Shaun Hill injured. Considering that Hill was a top-10 quarterback based on fantasy points on NFL.com, Stafford could turn into a nice option down the stretch.
Chris Ivory, RB, Saints (98.9 percent)
No one seems to know when Pierre Thomas will be back for the Saints, but at least we now know who to use in his absence. Ivory went off against the Bucs with 158 rushing yards on just 15 carries in a 31-6 win. Ivory, who averaged a ridiculous 10.5 yards per carry, would be in line to face a vulnerable Browns defense in Week 7 if Thomas were inactive once again.
Danario Alexander, WR, Rams (99.9 percent)
With Mark Clayton out for the season, someone had to step and become the top option in the Rams passing game for Sam Bradford. In Week 6, at least, that wideout was Alexander. The former practice-squad player put up four catches for 72 yards and scored a touchdown in an impressive win over the Chargers. Sure, it's only one game. But Alexander is still worth a look in leagues with 12-plus teams.
Davone Bess, WR, Dolphins (79.0 percent)
Bess had five catches for 37 yards with one touchdown in a win over the Packers in Week 6, and has now scored in two straight games. What's more, Bess is on pace to finish the season with an impressive 83 receptions based on his current numbers. That makes him an even better option in PPR leagues as a potential No. 3 or 4 wideout.
Deon Butler, WR, Seahawks (99.6 percent)
With Deion Branch gone, Butler has been promoted into the starting lineup by coach Pete Carroll. He thrived in the role in Week 6, catching four passes for 47 yards with one touchdown in a win over the Bears. While I don't think Butler won't be a consistent enough to be a regular fantasy starter, he is well worth a roster spot in leagues with 12-plus teams.
Deion Branch, WR, Patriots (89.7 percent)
With Randy Moss in Minnesota, someone had to pick up the slack in the Patriots pass attack. In Week 6, it was Branch. He rekindled that old magic with Tom Brady, catching nine passes for 98 yards with one touchdown in an overtime win over the Ravens. This duo obviously still has a solid rapport, so Branch needs to be added in fantasy leagues.
Patrick Crayton, WR, Chargers (97.7 percent)
Crayton is back on the fantasy radar, as the Chargers will be without Malcom Floyd (hamstring) and maybe Legedu Naanee (hamstring). The former Cowboys wideout made a major impact in Week 6, catching six passes for 117 yards. New England's defense has been unimpressive against the pass, so Crayton could even be a viable fantasy starter.
Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks (98.0 percent)
Much like Butler, Williams saw a major up tick in targets in his first game without Branch, hauling in an impressive 10 catches for 123 yards against the Bears. This sort of stat line won't be the norm for Williams moving forward, but the fact that he's clearly playing a bigger role in the Seahawks pass attack makes him worth a look in most fantasy leagues.
Heath Miller, TE, Steelers (61.6 percent)
The return of Ben Roethlisberger from a four-game suspension wasn't only a godsend for Mike Wallace, but it also improved the stock of Miller. The veteran tight end had his best stat line of the season with Big Ben under center, posting 50 yards and one touchdown in a win over the Browns. While he won't be a No. 1 fantasy option, Miller is well worth rostering as a valuable reserve.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com**!
