Alright, so you’ve made it to the playoffs.  Congrats.  Now, it gets real.  Win you stay in.  Lose, and you get to watch your friends play on and listen to your spouse complain about what a waste of money you’ve spent on “fantasy games.”  But you don’t want to be that guy, that’s why you’re here, and that’s why we’re here for you.  So here are our top waiver wire pickups.

Montee Ball, RB Denver (percent available in Yahoo! leagues, 61%)

Just hold on to the ball.

Ball is finally showing the promise that led many people (including The Machine) to draft him as the first rookie RB (over the likes of Eddie Lacy and Gio Bernard).  However, an early case of fumbleitis put Ball on the bench.  It looks like he’s worked his way back to splitting time with Knowshon, and, with Moreno a little banged up, Montee’s been getting more touches.  Last week, he had his first 100 yard game, rushing for 117 on 13 carries against KC.  This week, Denver’s home against Tennessee, and Montee should see between 15-20 touches.

Michael Crabtree, WR San Francisco (54%)

Guess who’s back?

We told you to get Crabtree last week, when he was available in more than half of leagues.  He only saw 4 targets last week, but had a 60 yard reception, giving the Niners the deep threat offensive weapon it so desperately needs.  With another week under his belt, Crabtree’s targets should increase.

Donald Brown, RB Indy (50%)

Indy has finally realized that Trent Richardson is a bust, and has turned to Brown as the featured back.  He more than doubled the amount of carries compared to Trent last week (14 to 5), and is being used almost exclusively in the redzone.  That’s where Brown’s value really is.

Trent who?

He’s got a tough matchup this week against Cincy, and while he may not post huge yards, his use in the redzone carries always make him likely to score.  Brown’s a low end RB2 or Flex.

Josh McCown, QB Chicago (40%)

Just throw it to Alshon.

McCown just might be the savior for your fantasy team.  Over his last two games, McCown’s averages more than 350 yards/game, with 4 tds and 1 ints.  He’s filled in quite admirably for the oft-injured Jay Cutler.  In his 6 starts this year, McCown has 9 tds and only 1 int.  He’s got a Monday Night matchup against Dallas, and should continue his hot streak.

Ladarius Green, TE San Diego (25%)

Chances are good for another TD this week.

Who is Ladarius Green?  He’s a matchup nightmare.  A 6’6” athletic freak that runs a sub 4.5 40.  Although the TE position in San Diego has historically been filled by Antonio Gates, Ladarius’ athleticism has forced him into the lineup.  He’s scored a touchdown two weeks in a row, and is facing a Giants D that gives up plenty of yards in the air.

Alright, you’ve finally had enough turkey, stuffing, and awkward conversations with your family.  Now it’s time to focus on what really matters:  getting into the playoffs.  For most of us, this is the last week of the (fantasy) regular season, and if you’re still in the hunt, read on to find out what players can get you into the playoffs.

Fear the Ginger Beard!

Carson Palmer, QB Arizona (% owned in Yahoo leagues, 46%)

Someone tell Carson it’s not 2005.  In his last three starts, Carson’s turned back the clock, averaging 325 yards a game, and he’s thrown 6 tds with only 1 int.  Suddenly, the Cardinals are on fire, winning 4 in a row, and it’s due in large part to the play at quarterback.  This week, Arizona plays Philly, whose defense has given up 4 consecutive 300 yard passing games.  That bodes well for Carson, who should be able to reach 300 yards and a touchdown.

If you’re an Aaron Rodgers owner, Carson makes a great play this week.

Guess who’s back?

Michael Crabtree, WR San Francisco (45%)

Crabtree will see his first action of the season this week.  While most coaches would ease in a player making their debut in Week 13, not Jim Harbaugh, because Harbaugh’s a crazy person.  Crabtree will be a much needed addition to the Niners offense.  We like him as a WR3.

Bilal Powell, RB NY Jets (42%)

Ready to run wild this week.

Matchup and opportunity.  The Jets face Miami this week, and the Dolphins have a porous run defense.  Plus, the Jets are 4-1 at home this year, and average 146 yards per game at Giants Stadium.  And with Chris Ivory injured, Powell should see the bulk of the action.

Great matchup, and plenty of opportunity.  We like Powell’s chances this week.

Benny Cunningham, RB St. Louis (23%)

The pride of Middle Tennessee State University!

It’s only taken 12 weeks, but St. Louis has finally settled on a RB, at least for now.  Undrafted rookie RB Benny Cunningham has taken over (from fellow rookie RB Zac Stacy) as the main back.  Benny has put up back to back double digit performances, and rushed for an impressive 109 yards and a touchdown against the Bears last week.  With Stacy suffering a concussion in that game, and Darryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead complete afterthoughts, Benny’s in line to get plenty of touches this week.  He’s a low RB2/Flex.

Tim Wright, TE Tampa Bay (19%)

Catching on like a staff infection.

Wright is the only healthy tight end on the roster (damn MRSA), and he stepped up big last week, going 8/75/0.  He’s established a pretty good rapport with Glennon, and is now a factor in the Bucs passing game.  He’s also a Rutgers guy, so the chances of Mighty Mouse Schiano stabbing him in the back and releasing him are slim (although it can’t be ruled out).

As all us fantasy nerds know, picking up guys on the waiver wire is a crap shoot.  You’re a triage doctor (yes, we equate managing a fantasy football team with performing emergency medical procedures) trying to stop the bleeding so your patient can live another day.  Or (perhaps a more appropriate analogy) you need a slump buster, a quick hit to get your team back in the game.  Either way, it’s a temporary, stop-gap measure.  The name of the game is to find someone who can give you double-digit points, and it’s always hit or miss.  However, loyal readers of The Machine are rewarded with more hits than misses.

Last week, we hit on two of our waiver wire picks ups.  What Terrelle Pryor didn’t do in the air (88/0/2) he certainly made up for it on the ground, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown, including this record-breaking 93 yard run: 

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Brandon Boldin also posted double-digit numbers, rushing for a touchdown in the Pats come from behind win agaist Miami.  Sure, we struck out (big time) with Chris Ivory and Jerome Kerley (we knew recommending Jets players was a bad idea) but we hope you found a spot on your roster for Andre Brown (if not, get him now).

Anyway, on to his weeks’ waiver wire pick-ups.

Dexter could be your savior. If you’re a Blackmon owner, get him now.

Dexter McCluster, WR Kansas City (% owned in Yahoo Fantasy League, 18%)

Is your team in desperate need of a WR, either because of a bye week or because Justin Blackmon can’t put down the pipe?  Well Dexter’s your answer.  Frankly, The Machine is shocked that Dexter is only owned in 18% of leagues.  That is guaranteed to double by next week.  Dexter is quickly becoming Alex “Captain Checkdown” Smith’s favorite target.  After starting the season slow, Dexter has turned it on lately, posting consecutive double-digit performances, including a solid 20+ point game last week, going 7/67/1 and leading the team with 10 targets. 

With Dwayne Bowe a complete failure, and Alex Smith unable to throw the ball more than 10 yards, Dexter is the number one receiving option in Kansas City.  We like his chances this week against a Buffalo D that is vulnerable to the underneath throws.

Jake, when healthy, has put up surprisingly solid numbers.

Jake Locker, QB Tennessee (36%)

The Machine was shocked to see that Jake is still available in over 60% of leagues.  Clearly, he hasn’t reached everyday starter status, and injuries have only allowed him to only play 5 games so far, but he’s definitely worth a spot on your bench, and, if you need a qb this week, Jake the Snake has a great matchup against St. Louis.  Jake has proven to be turnover resistant, throwing only 1 int all year, compared with 9 total tds (8 passing, 1 rushing).  All in 5 games.  In his last start 2 weeks ago, Jake had a breakout game and went 326/2/1 against a tough 49ers D.  We like his chances against the Rams this week.  He’s also got the ability to pick up points on the ground, and is worth a start if you need a qb this week.

With Jake under center, Nate’s in line for a big game.

Nate Washington, WR Tennessee (40%)

No one is happier to see Jake back on the field than Nate Washington.  In 5 games with Jake behind center, Nasty Nate’s averaged double-digit fantasy numbers, 4.4/78.  In the 2 games without Jake, he’s averaged single digits, 2/22.5.  Not surprisingly, his 2 tds this year have come from Jake.  Needless to say, Nate should be able to reach double-digit numbers this week. 

Always a hit or miss, but we like Moore’s chances against the Jets.

Lance Moore, WR New Orleans (40%)

Caution:  starting any Saints receiver not named Graham is a risk.  They are all boom or bust, including Moore, who’s been beset by the injury bug and has only played in 4 games so far.  After a 4 week absence, Moore was back on the field and posted a respectable 3/34/1.  While the yardage total was low, Moore had more targets than Graham (4 to 3) and Brees likes to use him in the redzone.  Also, Moore was tied for 1^st in receptions.  The only problem there is that he was tied with 5 other players.  That’s the problem with starting any receiver not named Graham.  And while we also like Kenny Stills (although he’s now owned in 70% (verify) of leagues so probably not an option for you at this point) we like Moore’s shiftiness as a slot receiver against the Jets, who historically are not good matching up against slot receivers.  This, in our humble/expert opinion, gives Moore the edge over Stills this week. 

Because of Moore’s (and every receiver not named Graham’s) boom or bust tendencies, there are other WRs out there we like (Dexter or Nate).  But if they’re gone, or you just like rolling the dice, Lance is your guy.

Coby should see an increase in targets.

Coby Fleener, TE, Indy (46%)

If you’re a Julius Thomas or Vernon Davis owner looking for a replacement this week, or perhaps stuck with a TE that has been putting up inconsistent numbers (Kyle Rudolph) Coby Fleener provides an attractive option for you.  With Reggie Wayne out for the year, Andrew Luck will need someone else to throw the ball to.  And while that means DHB should get more touches, he is wildly inconsistent (and our sources tell us nursing a hamstring injury – verify).  This puts Fleener, Andrew’s college roommate and safety valve, at the top of our list to see an increased workload in Indy’s offense. 

Can Terrelle deliver another solid performance? We think so.

Terrelle Pryor, QB, Oakland (54%)

Hmmm, last week Terrelle was only owned in 35% of leagues, and now he’s up to over half.  We wonder what could have let to that dramatic uptick in ownership?  Well, expect to see that number rise.  Terrelle has a great matchup this week, at home, against a porous Eagles D.  Look for Terrelle to approach 100 yards on the ground again.

Welcome to Week 8, fantasy friends.  We’re at the mid-way point in the season, and now’s the time where things get serious.  A critical step to fantasy domination involves successfully navigating the waiver wire.  A lot of big names are on bye this week (Foster, Ray Rice, Brandon Marshall, CJ2K, T. Rich) and a lot of big injuries have sidelined players (Roddy White, Jay Cutler, Reggie Wayne, Doug Martin).  If you’re struggling to replace someone this week, you’ve come to the right place.  Here are our top Week 8 Waiver Wire pick ups.

Ivory should get the bulk of the carries from here on out.

Chris Ivory, RB Jets (% owned in Yahoo! leagues, 55%)

Ivory is still available in 45% of Yahoo! leagues.  If one of those is yours, you best go and pick him up right now.  For most of the season, Ivory has been stuck in RB by committee hell, splitting time with Bilal Powell and Mike Goodson.  However, Goodson’s out on IR and done for the season, and Ivory seems to have won over the starting job from Powell.  Last week, Ivory ran the ball 34 (yes, 34!) times, for 104 yards, clearly outpacing Powell, who carried the ball 3 (yes, 3) times.

That distribution of work bodes well for Ivory going forward. 

Roy’s got a good chance to hit paydirt again this week.

Roy Helu, Jr., RB Washington (54%)

Roy has quietly put together 3 straight double-digit fantasy weeks, and he’s now starting to cut into Alfred Morris’ touches.  While Alfred is still the feature RB, he’s become more of an early down back, and Roy has filled in on 3^rd downs, short yardage situations, and in the hurry up offense.  Roy only had 12 carries for 46 yards last week, but…wait for it…3 tds.  This means Roy is getting the all important goaline carries. 

It’ll be like Terrelle’s back in the Big 10 for a day.

Terrelle Pryor, QB, Oakland (35%)

If you’re in need of a QB this week, Terrelle may be the guy you’re looking for.  Playing at home against the (suddenly inept) Steelers D, Pryor has a chance to put up solid numbers, both in the air and on the ground.  Over his last 3 starts, Pryor has averaged 239 yards in the air and 41 yards on the ground, while also throwing 4 tds and 3 ints. 

We know it’s weird, but the Jets actually offer some fantasy value.

Jerome Kerley, WR NY Jets (26%)

Chances are, you missed out on picking up Jarrett Boykin and/or Harry Douglas, who are both now owned in more than 70% of leagues.  If you were lucky enough to get one of them, great.  If not, and you’re still in need of a WR, Kerley’s a nice fill in.  Last week, he went 8/97/1, and, more importantly, led the team in targets with 10.  Even if he doesn’t replicate those numbers this week, he should be getting a good amount of passes thrown his way.  Pencil him in as a WR3/flex.

If you’re desperate for a RB this week, Brandon’s in line to see an increased workload this week.

Brandon Boldin, RB, New England (12%)

Although the Patriots employ the worst RB by committee in the league, Brandon has some value this week, especially in PPR leagues.  Shane Vareen is injured, which has move Brandon up the depth chart, and also moved him into Shane’s role of the passing-down back.  He also has a favorable matchup against the rushing-friendly Dolphins defense. 

BONUS PICK UPS!!!

Because The Machine loves you, here are two bonus waiver wire pick ups.  These guys will be hot next week, but if you got a roster spot available, pick them up now.

DHB will get (another) chance to live up to his Top 10 draft status.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Colts (45%)

DHB is still available in over half the leagues.  That will change dramatically next week, as the Colts come off the bye.  With Reggie Wayne done for the year, DHB will come in and replace him as the featured WR.  And with Trent Richardson still sucking, the Colts will open up the offense and turn to the passing game more.

Andre will be the #1 back for the G-Men, grab him now and thank us later.

Andre Brown, RB, NY Giants (19%)

Wait, you mean the same Andre Brown that has a broken leg and hasn’t played all season?  Yeah, that one.  Andre is scheduled to return to the G-Men in Week 10 (Giants are on a bye next week) but, more importantly, he’s going to return as the featured back.  With injuries to Wilson and Jacobs, the Giants currently have 7^th round rookie Michael Cox and (forgotten) Peyton Hillis in the backfield.  Andre should come in and immediately pay dividends.  Get him while you still can.

We’re one week in, but that’s never too early to scour the waiver wire and make some last-minute adjustments.  Here’s out Top waiver wire pick-ups for Week 2.

Harry Douglas, WR – Atlanta (6% owned in Yahoo! leagues)

Harry has a great chance to see the endzone today.

With Roddy White still “undetermined” with a high ankle sprain and Julio Jones banged up, Harry comes in as the best receiving option for the Falcons (besides Gonzo who’s a must start).  Harry had a decent game last week (4/83/0) even with Roddy and Julio in the lineup.  Atlanta will still look to air it out, and Harry’s in line to get a lot of looks.  He’s a WR3 or Flex option.

It’ll be like Terrelle’s back in the Big 10 for a day.

Terrelle Pryor, QB – Oakland (25%)

Yes, we’re telling you to pick up an Oakland Raider, and, if you want to shake things up and look like a fantasy stud, we’re telling you to start him.

Pryor makes the Raiders mildly entertaining to watch.  He had good stats against Indy last week, (217/1/2) but add to that 112 rushing yards, and that’s where his value really shows.  Pryor is in line to have a monster game today.

The Raiders are at home and playing Jacksonville.  The Jags are a decent pop-warner team.  Seriously, they’re awful, as in already playing for the #1 draft pick awful (their streak of 6 Top 10 First Round picks is not in jeopardy).  The Raiders should have no problem moving the ball against the Jags, and Pryor should be able to rack up good number both in the air and on the ground.

I’d start Pryor over the likes of Romo, RGIII, and yes, Russell Wilson. 

Joique Bell, RB – Detroit (75%)

Joique’s value has skyrocketed this week, he’s gone from owned by nobody to now 75% of Yahoo! leagues.  If he happens to still be available in yours, pick him up immediately.

Bell had a great game last week, only 25 yards rushing but he added 2 tds and also caught 5 balls for 67 yards.  Plus, add into the mix that it’s only a matter of time before Reggie Bush gets injured, and picking up Joique now (on the cheap) will help your club down the road.  Even with Bush in the mix today, Bell has a good matchup against a weak Cardinals D.