Hamstrings get pulled, hands get broken, quarterbacks change. The NFL landscape changes dramatically each week, creating opportunities for new players to step up and help your fantasy team get the all-mighty W. Below you will find under the radar wide receivers who have the talent and opportunity to help your team in a big way.
Michael Crabtree, 49ers (available in 62% of Yahoo! leagues)
Just when Josh Morgan was quietly establishing himself as Alex Smith’s favorite target, his fractured ankle lands him on the IR, opening up targets for the Niners’ number one pick of 2009. Last week at Detroit, Crabtree hauled in a team high nine receptions for 77 yards. Braylon Edwards is likely to return this week and his ability to stretch the field and attract attention from opposing backs should be a boon to Crabtree’s long-term value. He projects as the Niners’ possession receiver, making him especially valuable in PPR leagues.
Demaryius Thomas, Broncos (available in 90% of Yahoo! leagues)
With Brandon Lloyd leaving town, the general consensus was that Eric Decker would step in and be Tebow’s favorite target out the gates, with Thomas lurking as the higher upside stash. As it turned out, Tebow really spread the ball around pretty evenly, but Thomas did lead the team in targets and score a clutch fourth quarter touchdown. He is 6’3″, 229 lbs. and runs a 40 in the 4.36-4.38 range. The Broncos traded up to get him in the first round of the 2010 draft, passing on Dez Bryant. Jesus Christ himself will be throwing him the football. Go pick him up.
Antonio Brown, Steelers (available in 67% of Yahoo! leagues)
With Hines Ward hobbled by an ankle injury, Brown stepped in and caught 7 balls for 102 yards last week against the Cards. Yes, the Cards secondary is atrocious but Roethlisberger has thrown 9 touchdown passes in his last three games, going to the spread early and often. Ward is questionable for week 8 and the Steelers face the Patriots on Sunday, who allow a league worst 8.47 yards per pass attempt.