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.
Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers (62.1 percent)
Believe it or not, but Freeman is actually in the top 10 in fantasy points among quarterbacks on NFL.com. In fact, he's averaged a very solid 15.2 points in his last five games. With three superstar signal-callers (Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers) on a bye, Freeman is a viable fantasy option against the Panthers. In his first game of the season against the NFC South opponent, he had two touchdowns and close to 20 fantasy points.
David Garrard, QB, Jaguars (82.3 percent)
In Garrard's last game, he lit up the hapless Dallas Cowboys for five total touchdowns. However, he wasn't added in most fantasy leagues because the Jags had a bye in Week 9. Garrard is back this week, though, and a great matchup against the Texans makes him a solid sleeper. His teammate, Mike Thomas (94.3 percent) is also an option if you need a one-week fix at wide receiver.
Shaun Hill, QB, Lions (96.9 percent)
Matthew Stafford suffered another shoulder injury and could be out in Week 10 (and beyond), so Hill is clearly back in the fantasy spotlight. He was an underrated option while Stafford was hurt earlier in the season, throwing for 230-plus yards three times with multiple touchdown passes in three of his five starts. Furthermore, Hill was in the top 10 in fantasy points at his position on NFL.com. If you need a quarterback, Hill is well worth a look.
Nate Burleson, WR, Lions (95.5 percent)
Burleson, a Week 9 sleeper on NFL.com, came up huge for fantasy leaguers with seven catches, 113 yards and one touchdown in a loss to the Jets. The veteran has now hauled in a combined 20 passes in his last three games and should be owned in most formats with 12-plus teams. The Lions also face some very favorable opponents down the stretch -- including the Bills in Week 10 -- which makes Burleson even more attractive off the wire.
Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers (49.7 percent)
Jackson, considered a top-10 fantasy wideout in the offseason before word of his contractual holdout emerged, has signed his tender offer with the Chargers and will be back in action at the end of the month. As a result, owners that have roster space and need a wideout should look to add and stash him. Since Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates should be back after the team's Week 10 bye, Seyi Ajirotutu isn't worth a look at this time.
Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings (54.7 percent)
According to reports, Rice (hip) could be back on the field as soon as Week 10 against the Bears. While he will be brought along slowly, the fact that Rice was one of the top wideouts in fantasy football last season makes him well worth a roster spot in all leagues. Owners should also consider his teammate, Bernard Berrian (72.3 percent), who is coming off a solid nine-catch, 89-yard performance against the Arizona Cardinals.
Nate Washington, WR, Titans (63.0 percent)
Washington is coming off his best game of the season, posting 117 yards and one touchdown against the Chargers back in Week 8. With Randy Moss now in Tennessee, Washington will have a much easier time putting up good numbers. While Moss isn't the same player he was two years ago, he still draws a lot of defensive attention. That means more opportunities for Washington, who could be a useful fantasy option moving forward.
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions (78.2 percent)
With Jermichael Finley and Dallas Clark out for the season and Antonio Gates and Zach Miller on byes, countless fantasy owners are looking to add a tight end. If you need a replacement this week and into the future, Pettigrew is well worth a look off the waiver wire. He caught his third touchdown pass of the season in Week 9, and is now on pace to finish with a solid 76 receptions and 724 yards based on his current numbers.
Jacob Tamme, TE, Colts (62.5 percent)
Tamme was a hot name off the fantasy waiver wire last week, but he's still a free agent in a ton of NFL.com leagues. That will change after Week 9, as he produced a solid 11 catches for 108 yards with one touchdown against the Eagles. Not only will he see his share of targets, but Tamme also has one of the greatest quarterbacks in the league in Peyton Manning throwing him the football. He's a must-add if you need a viable No. 1 tight end.
Buccaneers defense (89.7 percent)
This isn't the same stout Buccaneers defense that once featured current NFL Network analyst Warren Sapp, but it can still be a useful fantasy option against weaker teams. Enter the Panthers, who have major question marks at both the quarterback and running back positions due to a boatload of injuries. Opposing defenses have also found a ton of success in fantasy leagues against Carolina, so the Bucs are worth adding as a one-week defense.
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**!
