won on draft day, it’s won on those crucial days when you pick up that great waiver wire free agent before anyone else thinks of nabbing him. That’s why we here at Raiders Tribune will be helping you out and giving you the scoop on the best guys to pick up to turn your fantasy team into a championship contender. Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers The 49ers offense has struggled this season, in large part due to the absence of Crabtree. Last season was Crabtree’s best in the NFL and he really thrived once Colin Kaepernick took over as the starting QB. In his return he was on the field for the majority of the 49ers offensive snaps and that will only continue to rise going forward. The Niners really have only two passing targets, Crabtree and Vernon Davis. Playing without Crabtree has severely hindered Kaepernick’s effectiveness and he will undoubtedly be happy to have his favorite target back on the field.
Once he gets his legs under him in the next week or so expect him to become one of the most targeted wideouts in the league again. He is the type of late season addition that can bring your team a championship. Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs The Chiefs have struggled mightily lately, losing their last three games, but that doesn’t hide the fact that Alex Smith has been enjoying one of his best stretches statistically, of his career. Over the last three weeks, Smith has thrown the ball at least 38 times in each game, totaling 817 yards and seven touchdowns. He also gives you some decent rushing from the quarterback position that can come in handy. Smith has never been the most reliable fantasy option, but the Chiefs next two games are against the Washington Redskins and the Oakland Raiders. The Redskins have one of, if not the worse defense in the NFL, and the Raiders defense, while improved, can still be scored upon by a good offense. Smith’s stock is looking up for at least the next two weeks. Jared Cook, TE, St. Louis Rams Cook was expected to be one of the breakout stars at the tight end position after joining the Rams this season and an impressive Week One performance seemed to affirm everyone’s beliefs. But rough times in the following weeks forced many Cook owners to drop him. Now may be the time to get him back on the roster for your playoff push. Cook has been targeted at least five times in five of the last six games and has reached the end zone in two of the last four. The tight end pickings are relatively slim at this point. Julius Thomas and Jordan Reed both missed this week’s game and guys like Jason Witten, Jordan Cameron, and Martellus Bennett have struggled recently. The Fantasy Playoffs are starting and if you need a one week sub, Cook could still be available to put up some decent numbers for your team. (h/t Raiders Tribune)
